INTRODUCTION
Mental Health Effects of Poor Governance. This article is to evaluate the impact of the various government policies on the mental health of her citizens with a focus on the Nigerian state. How does government contribute to mental health decline of the people? Some people have formed the believe that they have nothing to do with the government. I’ve heard some religious postulations like, ‘’ I don’t operate under the economy of any nation” Some believe that whether the government is good or not, it has nothing to do with them, its doesn’t affect them in any way. While this may sound hopeful and true, it is necessary to differentiate truth from fact and reality from spirituality. Our environment plays a significant role in our life.
OBJECTIVE
This article aims to create the consciousness of how the various aspects of government can affect one’s mental well-being, especially in the low-income population, and suggest a possible coping mechanism to function maximally in adverse conditions.
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental health according to (who.int) is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.
THE IMPACT OF POOR GOVERNANCE ON MENTAL HEALTH
Mental illness, non-psychotic or related to psychotic disease, evolves from two main factors.
- BIOLOGICAL FACTOR
- EXTERNAL FACTOR:
It is important to recognize that the impact of government has a direct influence on the mental health of the people, poor governance can constitutes a risk factor to increase depression rate in the society, Reckless government policies constitute a social stressor, Poverty is one of the causes of depression and suicide. Government is known to advertise its investment in the health sector but more to that is what many people have not talked about.
- POVERTY
Government policies that result in the high poverty index of the country have a direct impact on the mental and nutritional health of the masses. For instance, the new Naira redesign policy of President Buhari’s administration brought untold hardship, mental trauma, and mass death to Africa’s biggest population. This was a failed and low-brain policy that had no good intentions for the large population of Nigeria. Numerous inhumane policies have brought both mental and economic depression.
- INEQUALITY:
when there is inequality in the system, be it in the distribution of national cake or access and participation, the other group gets to suffer. Inequality can be triggered by religion or culture.
- LACK OF ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTHCARE:
when the government failed to provide an enabling health facility that can manage mental health conditions. This can get worse as it seems to influence other members of the community. Studies have shown that when one person suffers from mental illness, it goes on to affect the immediate surrounding negatively.
- INSECURITY:
The security of every society is in the hands of the government. Government actions and inactions that instigate crisis and war, it goes on to contribute to the risk of mental illness in affected populations. When people feel unsafe, more fear is developed; shock and other trauma cannot be also rolled out.
- INFRINGEMENT ON THE RIGHTS OF THE MASSES
When government uses its power it subverts the right of the people, a good example is when President Buhari, through the instrument of its agency called INEC stole the mandate of the masses to select a kingpin as president-elect. It leaves a feeling of hopelessness in the people
- HOW TO DEVELOP COPING MECHANISMS TO SURVIVE ADVERSE CONDITION
There is no one right way to cope with adverse conditions because people react to situations differently, however, some recommendations given here can act as a coping mechanism:
Stay connected while you reduce listening to bad news: limited exposure to negative media content can reduce depressive triggers.
- Practice self-care:
you must consciously invest in your self-care, like regular exercise.
2. Mind what you eat:
Nutrition plays a significant role in the mental health of an individual, with a low budget, one can still eat right. The plant source of the nutrient is relatively cheap in the market. For instance, plant protein is cheaper than animal protein. Not everyone can afford meat. But bean is relatively cheap.
3. Prioritize your expenditure .
Having some coins in your pocket is more comforting than pennilessness.
4. Engage only in productive activities:
monitor your activities, refrain from criminal activities and avoid substance abuse at all costs. Remember, staying fresh is better than seeking a cure or treatment.
5. Consider relocating to a better environment
In conclusion, there’s need to fight for good governance by getting involved in politics. Government and its structures can affect the mental health of the population
Rcommended reading: 20 WAYS TO LIVE THE LIFE OF YOUR DREAM – edisonwrites
Government should provide enough security and poverty alleviation program