PTSD In Nigeria

STRESS OF THE INSURGENCY IS TOXIC TO THE NIGERIAN CHILD.

Short-lived moderate, tolerable activation of the body’s stress response system is not harmful to health in general. For children, it is an important part of the normal developmental process, as it helps prepare the child cope with adversity. On the other hand, excessive and prolonged activation of the body’s stress response system could lead to what is referred to as toxic stress. This type of stress can hinder healthy development in children by affecting the child’s cognition and behavior, and also by altering the expression of stress regulatory genes, thereby increasing the risk of stress-related physical and mental ailments later in life.

The ongoing insurgency in Nigeria is

Exposure to violence has been linked with psychological difficulties in children ranging from insomnia and anxiety to PTSD. Children that have also been separated from their families or witnessed the death of loved ones are at increased risk of developing PTSD.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that usually occurs after someone experiences one or more traumatic events. Individuals who develop this condition display certain symptoms like frequent flashbacks of the traumatic event, avoidance of any trauma reminder, and hyper-arousal in the absence of any impending risk. The intensity does vary, depending on the individual and the type of event and so also is the duration, which could last from several weeks to years.

Although in some parts of the country, camps and institutions are put in place for the individuals affected by the insurgency, thousands of youths orphaned or separated from their parents are reported to be facing ongoing trauma. Children and adolescents inflicted with trauma are more likely to show suicidal tendencies and some of them eventually end up committing the act. Some co-morbid conditions like substance abuse, anxiety disorders, hypertension and major depression tend to develop in individuals with

Some face critical transitions as they try to reintegrate into normal life. After all the violence and abuse they must have experienced, their mental health state is important in the reintegration process. Studies on child soldiers in other countries have shown symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression. Discrimination and social stigmatization are major post-conflict issues child soldiers face when they try to reintegrate within the society. Females for example will find it hard to get married later in life as some people might consider them unfit or impure for marriage. Family as well as community acceptance and support could play a huge role in social and psychological readjustment along with successful