See life as mix of good, bad – Psychiatrist advises Nigerians
Dr Veronica Nyamali, National Vice-President, Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN), has advised that life be seen from a mixed angle of good, sweet and bad.
Nyamali, gave the advice in an interview with the Newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday.
She said that suicide should not be an option to end one’s life in the face of any kind of challenge.
Nyamali, also a Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, expressed concern that a lot of challenges including economic downturn and hardships, had made some Nigerians to consider suicide, resort to drug abuse or engage in immoral behaviours.
She said that Nigerians should learn to take life easy by developing positive coping and adaptive mechanisms than considering negative thoughts like commiting suicide or engaging in domestic violence when faced with challenges.
According to the psychiatrist, mental health education can make people understand that life generally comes with challenges, can be good, sweet at one time and bad at other times.
”There is need to change the mindset of Nigerians toward life; making them to understand that life itself is full of challenges and the challenges are what will make way for the successful stories.
“Unfortunately, some people consider negative copping mechanism when faced with life challenges.
”Engaging in drug abuse in face of challenges will only give temporary pleasure and satisfaction; when the drug clears out, the challenges remained.
”Even considering suicide should not be an option for life challenges of any sort.
“Constantly surrounding yourself with positive people, sharing worries, speaking out and seeking for help are options that can help in time of challenges.
“We need to create time for relaxation and look beyond the economic situation of the country; we need to focus on positive in every bad situation,” she said.
The psychiatrist, therefore, urged Nigerians to always be satisfied with what they had and could afford.
She said that many people had lost their lives due to greed and engaging in activities that were above their capabilities.
