Understanding and Alleviating Youth Desperation Amidst Mental Health Struggles

a man sitting on a chair

 

As the  Nigerian society declines economically, quiet desperation grips the hearts of many youths facing mental health struggles. It's a condition that often goes unnoticed, concealed by the masks of resilience and optimism.

Mental health struggle is one, while the desperation of youths amidst the struggle is another. As of 2023,  study reveals that about 25-30 percent of Nigerians suffer from mental health-related issues. That accounts for about 3 out of every 10 Nigerian youth trapped in this web.

Amidst a devastating mental health condition, many of these youth are still under pressure on how to make a living. Especially in a country experiencing an economic retrogression, where the cost of living is nearly killing the living.

I met Olayemi for the first time at a Mathematics Olympiad competition at Ibadan where I had gone to represent my secondary school. The first impression she portrayed got me admiring her personality. She was smart, humorously intelligent, and spoke in a very articulate manner. I didn't use a phone back then in 2010, if not, I wouldn't have hesitated to get her number.

We got talking shortly after the competition. We were teenagers, however, she found a safe space in me and decided to share her story. She was the first child of a family of seven, with a struggling dad and a sick mum. She told me how her entire family had to put their basic needs on hold just to get her quality education.

At that young age, life seemed unfair to her. She gave me the notion that she'd rather strive to become successful or die while trying to. There was no other way out of the situation she'd found herself. At least, that was what she thought.

Olayemi's outward appearance may exude confidence, but beneath the surface lies a storm of doubt, fear, and uncertainty. The pressures of her academic performance, family expectations, and societal norms weigh heavily on her shoulders, compounding the mental health challenges she faces. It's a struggle that consumes her silently, leaving her feeling isolated and desperate for a solution.

Using Olayemi as a case study, the first step in addressing youth desperation amidst mental health struggles would be breaking the cycle of isolation. It's essential to create spaces where individuals like Olayemi feel safe to share their experiences without fear of judgment or ridicule. By fostering open dialogue and empathy, we can begin to unravel the layers of despair and pave the way for healing.

Transitioning from a society that stigmatizes mental health to one that embraces understanding is paramount. It requires us to acknowledge the complexities of youth desperation and extend a compassionate hand to those in need. Through empathy and solidarity, we can dismantle the barriers that isolate and alienate, creating a community where every youth feels seen, heard, and valued.

Youth desperation amidst mental health struggles often stems from societal, economic, and personal challenges. Economic instability, lack of access to resources and the pressure to conform to societal standards which further  escalates the feelings of despair, creating a daunting hurdle to navigate.

In a world plagued by economic uncertainties, youths like Olayemi find themselves grappling with the harsh reality of limited opportunities and financial strain. The weight of unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality adds a layer of grief to their already burdened hearts, making it essential to address the economic aspects of their well-being alongside their mental health struggles.

To effectively alleviate youth desperation amidst mental health struggles, we must build bridges of hope and support. Our organization (NBYF) is dedicated to improving the welfare of youths by playing a vital role in providing resources, counseling services, and educational initiatives that contribute to their well-being.

NBYF also conducts educational programs that destigmatize mental health and promote resilience, coupled with accessible counseling services to create a foundation for positive change. By empowering the community to recognize the signs of despair and extend a helping hand, we can create a network of support that uplifts and inspires hope in the hearts of youths like Olayemi.

NBYF is committed  to help relieve Nigerian youth of their desperation and mental health challenges if you lend us a helping hand. Your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of youths like Olayemi. Your donation is not just a financial contribution; it's a lifeline for youths in despair.

By donating today, you become an integral part of a movement that seeks to break the cycle of desperation and create a future where every youth feels hopeful and supported.

Donate today and be part of the solution. Together, we can alleviate youth desperation amidst mental health struggles and create a world where every youth feels valued, empowered, and hopeful for the future.

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