The events that have unfolded in the past two weeks following the #EndSARS protest nationwide is depressing enough. The death toll alone especially that from the black Tuesday recorded at the Lekki Tollgate Massacre is causing rage and hopelessness. While it is impossible to revive human life lost, the looting and vandalism that has been the aftermath of the protests have aggravated the issue.
Many businesses and individuals hit would have to start from scratch. We have witnessed some lifetime investments, loans, and earnings within the twinkle of an eye dwindled with no hope of compensation or restoration. All these happenings having space in the mind leaves an individual stressed and mentally unstable.
Life itself is full of risks. It is a mixture of good and bad. In situations that things turn awry and unpredictable, all hope must not be lost. This is why depression should be fought before it becomes full-blown and critical. It is only a healthy mind that can achieve amazing feats and more importantly live.
To stay on course and not lose it all in the present crisis, you should take note of the following:
1. Let off the steam
If you must vent, please do but don’t take it on other people or incite anger. Allow the negative emotions to flow freely out in your space. If you must cry, please cry. If you are angry, let steam off but not on others. In this case, it may be wrong to bottle up your emotions as you might end up being a keg of gun powder waiting to explode. A wrong way to vent is to go on social media and incite people with your posts. vent if you must without taking out on people.
2. Know your triggers
If you are seeing videos of dead people, shooting, looting, and vandalism, and you know it pains you. Stop watching them. It could some posts on social media about religion and tribalism. Whatever is triggering the wrong emotion, identify them, and cut it off. This is the best time to stay off social media or the news generally since they can be sources of negative triggers.
3. Practice self-love
Pamper yourself. Keep body, mind, and soul in check. Use the opportunity to know yourself the more. Remember you cannot know yourself in a day. So take time to understand yourself at your own pace.
4.Be good for no reason
Check on family, friends, loved ones, colleagues, and acquaintances. Assist those that may have been badly affected by the crisis financially. Also, a word of encouragement goes a long way. Instead of spreading fear and hopelessness, share words that build people. This is not the time to instill hate. Allow love to lead the way.
5. Speak to professional
Don’t do life yourself. get professional help. Speak to trusted people trained to help, they will be willing ensure you are mentally safe.
Written by Patricia Uyeh