Mental illness is a significant concern, especially during major elections, such as the recent presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria. Experts have noted that the stress associated with election anxiety can elevate the risk of developing serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. Following the elections held on Saturday, there has been noticeable tension throughout the country, particularly as stakeholders raise concerns regarding irregularities in the electoral process.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed his apprehensions in an open letter to President Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on Monday. In his letter, Obasanjo alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission had compromised its officials to manipulate the election process. He criticized the decision to revert to manual transmission of results instead of utilizing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and Server for immediate results transmission from polling units.
Taiwo Obindo, the President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, highlighted the potential for increased mental health issues in the wake of the elections. He noted that if people’s expectations are high, they may experience frustration, emotional challenges, and heightened blood pressure due to anxiety. Obindo explained that anxiety disorders are broad and can lead to various symptoms, including palpitations and sleep disturbances.
Additionally, health practitioner Dr. Obi Igbokwe emphasized that election-related stress and anxiety could adversely affect the digestive system, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. He warned that chronic stress stemming from election anxiety and excitement could weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Igbokwe also pointed out that stress can trigger debilitating headaches and migraines, which may disrupt daily life. In some cases, individuals might resort to substances like alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms for election-related anxiety, potentially leading to addiction and other health complications.
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