Major elections, such as the recent presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria, can significantly impact the mental health of citizens, according to experts. They warn that the stress associated with election anxiety may elevate the risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. Following the elections held on Saturday, tension has been palpable across the country, particularly as stakeholders have raised concerns about irregularities in the electoral process. The Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party have publicly criticized the elections, labeling the process as compromised. Additionally, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed his concerns in an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission had manipulated the election process by compromising its officials and reverting to manual transmission of results instead of using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and Server for immediate results transmission.
In an interview, Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, highlighted the potential for increased mental health issues, including palpitations and frustration, particularly when public expectations are high. He noted that heightened expectations can lead to significant emotional challenges, including anxiety that may manifest as palpitations, elevated blood pressure, and sleep disorders. Dr. Obi Igbokwe, another health practitioner, added that election-related stress and anxiety could adversely affect the digestive system, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Chronic stress stemming from election anxiety can also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Igbokwe further explained that stress can trigger debilitating headaches and migraines, which may interfere with daily life. Some individuals might resort to substances like alcohol or drugs to cope with election-related anxiety, potentially leading to addiction and other health complications. Moreover, political differences can strain relationships, contributing to stress and anxiety that affect mental and emotional well-being.
In light of these concerns, experts are urging Nigerians to remain calm and adopt stress-reducing techniques. Igbokwe recommends practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and exercise, as well as seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals to manage election anxiety. Obindo also emphasizes the importance of having realistic expectations while awaiting the final election results. He advises that individuals should prepare for both winning and losing outcomes to mitigate potential negative impacts. To further reduce anxiety, he suggests avoiding social media, television, and radio, as the news can exacerbate stress. Instead, he encourages finding distractions, such as watching football or movies, or completely disengaging from election-related content. For those struggling to manage anxiety symptoms, seeking help from a mental health expert is recommended.
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