INTRODUCTION

Nigeria being the largest African country is the trailblazer in all social, economic, cultural, and other spheres of life for the entire black race, it, therefore, means that whatever affects Nigeria affects the whole of Africa.

Elections in Nigeria have always been an affair for the politicians, their political thugs, and the masses who are largely made up of illiterates, the aged population, and poor people, the majority of whom lack exposure or are not part of the elite. As troubling as this may be,  as a mental health therapist, I believe this is an unconscious way of the elite trying to protect their mental health. In order words, what you don’t expect won’t hurt you if you do not get it. This is because the elite has always been of the opinion that elections never count in Nigeria, and that they will always be rigged and given to the highest bidder, why go through the electoral process then?

You can then imagine what to expect when the elite and especially the youth decided to get involved in the electoral process of the 2023 election. This involvement followed the aftermath of the “end sars” protest of October 2020 that practically woke the young populations from their slumbers.

INEC, the national electoral body in Nigeria stated that close to 95million Nigerians are eligible to vote this year, a rapid and almost double increase from the usual numbers of the stomach infrastructure of the “edibo esebe”  category, a Yoruba phrase that means vote and get money cook soup, connoting vote buying.

The essence of this article is the area that Africans never considered; the impact of all of these dynamics on the mental health of the hopeful population, who slept at polling units, queue up in the rain and scorching sun, provided generators, and traveled to their polling units against all odds. We usually say we are Africans and we have thick skin, this has left us with populations of highly dysfunctional people who are ignorant of the grievous impacts of the current social, economic, cultural, and environmental situations on their mental health, especially at a time like this when elections are taking place.

WHAT IS ELECTION ANXIETY

Research has found that the time around an election increases the levels of stress across the nation — regardless of who will be getting our vote. Constant media coverage and debates in the home, workplace, or on social platforms, along with concerns about how the result of the election will affect our lives and society, all have the potential to have a negative impact on our well-being. With the long wait for election results, the bottlenecks and the cumbersome process of being eligible to vote, and the anxiety of lack of trust in INEC, one can begin to wonder how an average Nigerian is currently doing mentally.

Election anxiety professionally referred to as “election stress disorder” refers to a phenomenon observed by Washington DC-based psychologist Steven Stosny. It describes the stress and conflict he witnessed being experienced by patients in his couples’ therapy practice.

Election stress disorder even though not an officially recognized mental health condition or diagnosis in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), is the primary classification system used by mental health professionals in the United States.

However, the term has been used informally to describe a range of emotional and psychological symptoms that some people may experience leading up to or following an election, particularly during highly contentious or polarized political periods.

Symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite or mood, social withdrawal, and trouble concentrating. These symptoms may be more likely to occur in people who are already prone to anxiety or who have a history of trauma or mental health issues.

It’s important to note that while it’s natural to feel some level of stress or anxiety around an election if your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life or persisting beyond a reasonable timeframe, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional.

MAJOR SYMPTOMS OF ELECTION ANXIETY

Election anxiety or election stress disorder may include a range of emotional and physical symptoms, including:

1. Anxiety and worry about the election outcome or political climate
2. Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
3. Irritability or restlessness
4. Difficulty concentrating or focusing
5. Changes in appetite or eating habits
6. Muscle tension or headaches
7. Increased heart rate or palpitations
8. Fatigue or lethargy
9. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair
10. 10. Social withdrawal or isolation

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences election anxiety will have all of these symptoms, and some people may experience symptoms that are not listed here. Additionally, these symptoms may also be present in other forms of anxiety or stress, so it’s important to seek a professional evaluation to determine the best course of treatment.

TIPS TO HELP WITH ELECTION ANXIETY

Here are some tips that may help in managing election anxiety:

1. Limit your exposure to news and social media: While it’s important to stay informed, consuming too much news or social media can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of anxiety. Set limits on the amount of time you spend on these platforms.
2. Take breaks and engage in self-care activities: Engage in activities that help you relax and unwind, such as taking a walk, practicing yoga or meditation, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
3. Connect with others: Talk to friends or family members who may be feeling the same way as you. Share your feelings and concerns and seek support from those you trust.
4. Practice healthy habits: Engage in activities that promote physical health, such as exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep. These habits can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Mediation and mindfulness can help a great deal
6. Focus on what you can control
7. Limit your negative coping skills like drinking, smoking, or resulting into dangerous activities
8. Have sex. Having safe sex with someone you truly love and care about can help reduce your level of anxiety at this time
9. Seek professional support: If your anxiety is significantly impacting your daily life or persisting beyond a reasonable timeframe, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional. They can provide you with coping strategies and tools to manage your anxiety.

Remember that it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed during times of uncertainty or change. However, by practicing self-care and seeking support when needed, you can manage your anxiety and maintain a sense of well-being.

AS NIGERIANS EAGERLY WAIT FOR THE RESULTS OF THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN THE FACE OF HARDSHIP, FRUSTRATION, AND HOPELESSNESS, IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO BE IGNORANT OF THE IMPACT OF ALL OF THESE ROLLER-COASTERS ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS AND NEED TO SPEAK TO A MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR. KINDLY CONTACT THE INSTITUTE OF COUNSELING IN NIGERIA NOW, FOR FREE :

• counselor@instituteofcounseling.org
• 24/7 Hotline: +2349094812983
• ONLINE