Experts fear surge in depression over rising insecurity

Mental illness. Image source: Novo Health Africa

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Mental health experts have raised the alarm over the escalating wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across the country, warning that worsening insecurity amid deep hardship and hunger will increase depression among Nigerians.

In recent weeks, mass abductions in Niger, Kebbi and Kwara states have heightened concerns about the psychological toll of violence on citizens.

The anxiety intensified after the United States condemned the killings, with President Donald Trump alleging a “Christian genocide” and warning of possible diplomatic consequences.

While the Nigerian government rejected the genocide claim, it said it welcomed US support in tackling insecurity.

PUNCH Healthwise reports that the renewed insecurity was marked by the abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, on 21 November. About 50 students reportedly escaped, with 265 victims still missing.

Mental health experts warn that the relentless violent attacks are pushing more Nigerians into depression, anxiety disorders, and substance dependence, stressing that the country’s overstretched health system may be unable to cope if the crisis worsens.

They further warned that persistent kidnappings, violent attacks, and the climate of fear gripping communities would fuel psychological distress on a scale that threatens public health.

The experts, who spoke exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, said the resurgence of violence and kidnappings had deepened mental health implications beyond the immediate victims.

The President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Prof. Taiwo Obindo, explained that the psychological impact begins with anxiety, often developing into more severe conditions if not properly addressed.

According to him, fear created by persistent insecurity shapes behaviour in significant ways.

Obindo noted, “One, it generally creates anxiety. This anxiety makes people afraid to go out. Many develop phobias about leaving their homes. One of the immediate mental health conditions that emerges is internalised anxiety disorder, where people are afraid but cannot clearly pinpoint the source of their fear.”

The consultant psychiatrist stated that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is one of the most common conditions arising from insecurity and widespread violence.

Obindo, a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Jos, Plateau State,  noted that Nigerians do not have to be direct victims before experiencing the emotional aftermath.

“The major condition that often follows is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A person does not have to experience the incident directly; merely having knowledge of it, watching it, or hearing about it can create fear”, he said.

According to him, PTSD triggers episodes that are activated whenever individuals encounter anything that reminds them of insecurity, such as certain locations or news reports.

The don said, “Anxiety involves irrational fear, and PTSD heightens this. Anytime the person passes through a particular place or hears a similar story, it triggers tension, heightened apprehension, poor sleep, and difficulty functioning.”

The mental health experts said many Nigerians also slip into depression during periods of insecurity, including people who have been released from abductions but lack psychosocial support.

He noted, “A lot of people also become depressed during such periods. This is not limited to those affected directly. Even those who are released may not be receiving proper psychosocial support or psychological first aid.”

Obindo added that family members of victims also suffer emotional distress due to fear, prolonged uncertainty, and the shock of violent incidents.

Insecurity, he pointed out, not only affects psychological well-being but also places a heavy toll on physical health, particularly cardiovascular function.

He added that anxiety triggers chemicals that constrict blood vessels, placing dangerous pressure on the heart.

He said, “Living in this constant state of fear and uncertainty also affects physical health. Hypertension is one of the major outcomes. Anxiety triggers the release of certain chemicals that constrict blood vessels, forcing the heart to pump against higher resistance, which can lead to high blood pressure.”

Obindo said insecurity has ripple effects on families, workplaces and communities, disrupting social organisation and productivity.

He noted that economic activities are also being crippled as fear keeps people indoors, leading to reduced income and lower workplace performance.

He said, “It affects people’s economies. Traders are not selling as they should because they are afraid to go out. Workers are not functioning well at their jobs, which affects productivity, one of the pillars of mental health.

“Others who still go to work operate far below their usual capacity; someone used to functioning at 70–80% may now be working at 40% or less.”

On coping strategies, he stressed the need for interventions at individual, family, community and government levels to address the mental health burden.

Obindo urged individuals to understand the signs of emotional distress and seek help from professionals rather than spiritual or informal sources.

He said, “If they notice persistent issues, poor sleep, poor appetite, irritability, altered thought patterns, inability to interact, they should seek appropriate care. Not from spiritualists, but from proper mental health professionals.”

Also speaking, a Clinical Psychologist at Imo State University, Prof. Nkwam Uwaoma, warned that constant exposure to violence fuels traumatic stress and phobic disorders.

Uwaoma explained that repeated exposure to violent incidents leads to flashbacks, panic and heightened sensitivity to triggers.

He added, “Constant insecurity leads people to become highly phobic and extremely fearful. Any slight trigger can cause panic.”

According to him, prolonged fear disrupts brain chemistry and can cause social withdrawal, depressive disorders and dysfunctional interactions.

He said, “It can even lead to depressive disorders because repeated exposure to insecurity leaves people feeling helpless.”

Uwaoma added that insecurity destabilises entire families and communities, often leaving people numb and detached from empathy.

“The environment becomes dangerous for mental health, and people lose confidence in life,” the psychologist said.

Beyond emotional conditions, he said, insecurity also pushes many Nigerians into drug abuse as they seek escape from trauma.

He said, “When people become traumatised, they often look for an escape, and many turn to drugs. Drug abuse under such lawless and unstable conditions can further worsen insecurity in society.”

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