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WHAT IS STRESS?
Stress is a common and normal physical response to challenging or new situations and can look and feel different for different people. It has both psychological and physical aspects and can be triggered by different life experiences depending on the situation at hand, it can also be external (from environment, psychological or social situations) or internal for example, serious illness.
Stress can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, loss of appetite, increased blood pressure, chest pain, sexual dysfunction, and problems of sleeping. It can also cause or influence a broad range of physical health conditions such as heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome and mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
STRESS AND TRAUMA
Trauma is any event that involves exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence has the potential to be traumatic. The trauma experienced can be of a physical and/or mental nature and not everyone will respond in the same way.
The most commonly known trauma-related mental illness is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is a condition that can be diagnosed when fear, anxiety and memories of a traumatic event persist. Sometimes, the feelings may last for a long time and interfere with how they COPE with everyday life, and sometimes also it may have some of the symptoms of PTSD in the first few days after the event. Most will recover by themselves or with the support of family and friends, while others may need professional help because it may lead to traumatic injury and the survivors often suffer from physical, emotional, cognitive, and financial consequences that can affect their lives, their families, and society.
Trauma and mental illness
Experience of trauma can contribute to the development of many different forms of mental illness such as depressive and anxiety disorders, alcohol and substance use disorders, and self-harm and suicide-related behaviours.
HOW TO COPE WITH ANXIETY AND STRESS
If you're stressed, whether by your job or something more personal, the first step to feeling better is to identify the cause. It is said that problem well known is half way solved.
Most of victims feel like adopting some unhealthy habits like alcohol and smoking can help them cope, but such acts may add salt to injury also it may provide a short term relieve but at the end, its effects on health would be very worse.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
At COPE&LIVE Mental Health Awareness Foundation, we provide free services to help you manage your situation. We will still provide some of the keys to good stress management like; building emotional strength, being in control of your situation, having a good social network, and adopting a positive outlook. These may include the following:
1. Exercises
Exercise won't make your stress disappear, but it can reduce some of the emotional intensity that you're feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly.
2. Get control of yourself
If you think you cannot do anything about your problem, your stress can get worse.
That feeling of loss of control is one of the main causes of stress and lack of wellbeing. The act of taking control is in itself empowering, and it's a crucial part of finding a solution that satisfies you and not someone else.
3. Try to connect with people
A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can ease your troubles and help you see things in a different way. The activities we do with positive friends can help us relax and relieve stress and may also help you find solutions to your problems.
4. Self-care is very important
Try to create time for yourself for you to refresh and spend enough time to do things we really enjoy and exchange courtesy with friends and relatives. It's important to take some time for socialising, relaxation or exercise.
5. Developing critical thinking.
Set goals that can accelerate your talent such as learning a new language or a new sport. This can help build confidence and deal with stress.
6. Avoid unhealthy habits
Try to avoid all unhealthy habits such as use of drugs, alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping.
7. Try to be positive
Look for the positives in life, and things for which you're grateful. Try to be content with what you have and be grateful for being alive while other people you know were in the graves.
#treasureyourmentalhealth #problemsolving
Abubakar Magaji Yabo,
Northwest Director of Programs & Focal Person Sokoto State,
Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation.
MANAGING EMOTIONS IS KEY TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH
An Emotion is a natural and instinctive state of mind that arises from our interpretation of circumstances, our resulting thoughts, and relationships with others. It is how we react internally to the world around us, whether it’s the joy we feel when we achieve something meaningful, the fear that grips us in the face of danger, or the sadness that follows a loss. Emotions are the colours that paint our daily experiences, influencing our actions, decisions, and overall well-being.
There are numerous emotions, but they can generally be categorised into a few primary types:
HAPPINESS: A feeling of joy, contentment, or satisfaction that uplifts our spirits.
SADNESS: The emotion experienced during moments of loss, disappointment, or grief, often leading to a sense of heaviness.
ANGER: An intense feeling of displeasure or frustration, typically in response to perceived wrongs or injustices.
FEAR: A reaction to perceived threats or danger, often accompanied by anxiety or worry.
DISGUST: A feeling of aversion or repulsion towards something unpleasant or offensive.
SURPRISE: An emotional response to something unexpected, which can be either positive or negative.
LOVE: A deep affection and care for someone or something, characterised by warmth and attachment.
GUILT: The emotion that arises when we believe we have done something wrong or harmful, leading to feelings of remorse.
SHAME: A painful emotion caused by a sense of humiliation or distress over perceived flaws or failures.
PRIDE: is an emotion characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, superiority, and ego.
THE IMPACT OF EMOTIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH:
Emotions are not just fleeting feelings; they have a profound and lasting impact on our mental health. When we experience positive emotions, such as happiness and love, our brains release chemicals like dopamine and serotonin which enhance our mood, boost our energy levels, and promote a sense of well-being. These positive emotions help build resilience, allowing us to cope better with stress and adversity. They also strengthen our relationships, improve social interactions, and foster a sense of community and belonging. Over time, experiencing positive emotions regularly can lead to increased life satisfaction and a lower risk of mental health disorders.
On the other hand, negative emotions like sadness, anger, fear, and guilt can have detrimental effects on mental health if they become overwhelming or persistent. For example:
Prolonged sadness can drain our energy and motivation, leading to feelings of hopelessness and, in severe cases, clinical depression. It can make it difficult to engage in daily activities, maintain relationships, and find joy in life.
Uncontrolled anger can result in impulsive actions, damaged relationships, and physical health problems such as high blood pressure. It can also increase the risk of aggressive behaviour and contribute to a cycle of frustration and conflict, both within oneself and with others.
When fear becomes overwhelming, it can manifest as chronic anxiety, phobias, or panic disorders. These conditions can significantly impair a person’s ability to function in everyday life, leading to avoidance behaviours and isolation.
Excessive guilt and shame can lead to feelings of worthlessness and self-blame, contributing to anxiety, depression, and even self-harm. These emotions can prevent individuals from seeking help, as they may feel undeserving of support or too ashamed to admit their struggles.
The impact of these emotions on mental health is not limited to the individual; it extends to society as a whole. Unmanaged negative emotions can contribute to social problems such as increased crime rates, domestic violence, and workplace conflicts. Communities with high levels of unmanaged negative emotions may experience higher levels of stress, reduced productivity, and strained social relationships.
STEPS FOR MANAGING EMOTIONS:
Effectively managing emotions is key to maintaining mental health and fostering positive relationships. Here are some practical steps to help manage emotions:
● Recognise your emotions.
● Practice mindfulness.
● Express emotions healthily.
● Cognitive reframing.
● Seek support.
● Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
● Develop emotional intelligence.
● Set boundaries.
● Focus on solutions.
By adopting these strategies, individuals can navigate their emotional landscape more effectively, leading to better mental health and a more harmonious society.
EVERYBODY NEEDS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS...MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST UZOAMAKA
A child psychologist, counsellor/therapist and life coach Uzoamaka Nwachukwu of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation has advocated the need for everyone to take responsibility by prioritising their mental health and to become self aware. She made this known on 8/8/2024 while speaking during a stakeholder virtual FREE engagement activity on mental health & wellness which was organised by Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation Resource Centre to strengthen awareness and deepen consciousness on the triggers to negative emotions, anxiety disorders and addictions as well as their negative consequences on persons and on the society.
According to Uzoamaka, who is a Certified Child Psychologist, a Certified Grief & Bereavement counsellor, a Certified Depression counsellor, a Certified Emotional Intelligence Life Coach and a Certified Mental Health & Wellness Life coach, "Everyone needs Mental Health awareness, education and interventions in order to cope and live for wholistic well-being and self actualisation because mental health state is not static but changes with events and can change many times in the day hence the need for emotional self-awareness”. She observed that people are more aware of physical health than mental health because physical health is what people can easily see whereas mental health state is unseen and revolves around mindsets and emotions but controls the physical. She used the occasion to advocate on strong policies to promote a framework for mental health awareness in order to bring the knowledge and awareness to people (self awareness).
She expressed happiness on what Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation has started doing such as the Free counselling engagement for widows, widowers, bereaved persons, elderly persons above 65 years, sports men and women, Free Antenatal and postpartum depression counselling, Free Counselling for the physically challenged and visually impaired persons amongst others in conjunction with Rangers international Foundation, CAPIONG, ASTRIC, INECAS etc.
Speaking Further, she maintained that all organisations and spheres of life ought to prioritise mental health awareness and education through the institutionalisation of counselling departments manned by certified mental health life coaches, therapists and psychologists to be able to handle such issues with their staff and other individuals so as to enhance their cognitive, emotional, intellectual and social capabilities for optimum performance, improved psychological well being and productivity.
Today in our society, people are faced with a whole lot of challenges and limitations and a large number seem to be overwhelmed hence the continued emergence and inevitability of some negative emotions, anxieties, depression and anxieties, traumas and its well being challenges like suicide and so on. Just as there are medical practitioners for our medical health challenges the existence of counselling units is equally or important because mental health is a form of health that needs urgent attention. Come and think of it, a Driver, Pilot, Doctor, Athlete, Footballer, Clergy, Nursing mother, Law enforcement agent, Child / Young person, Students, Parent, Teachers and other service providers in our society may have been overwhelmed by negative emotions and mental health challenges owing to some circumstances and factors at some point or the other. Everyone needs mental health awareness and intervention to enhance their cognitive, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social care.
#treasureyourmentalhealth
THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION ON AN INFANT’S DEVELOPMENT & MENTAL HEALTH (BREASTFEEDING)
Nutrition is the cornerstone of health, particularly for nursing mothers. Because what they eat is passed on to the baby, the food choices a nursing mother makes directly impact and influence the developmental progress of her nursing child. During the postpartum period, the nutritional demands on a mother are high, and meeting these needs is critical to both her well-being and her baby's growth.
Nutrient deficiency can impair cognitive(brain) function, affecting memory, focus and concentration. It can lead to fatigue and low energy (Weak baby).
Poor maternal nutrition can alter the composition of breast milk. Nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin B12 are pivotal for brain development and overall growth in infants and a deficiency in these nutrients not only affects the mother's health but also compromises the nutrient profile of her breast milk, which can hinder the baby's cognitive and physical development.
EFFECTS ON THE MOTHER'S HEALTH
Breastfeeding is an energy-intensive process, requiring additional calories and a wide range of nutrients to sustain milk production and support the mother’s health. Inadequate nutrition can lead to fatigue, decreased milk supply, and a host of other health problems, making it difficult for the mother to maintain her energy levels and continue breastfeeding. This, in turn, can disrupt the breastfeeding process, affecting the mother’s ability to provide adequate care for her child.
ESSENTIAL FOODS FOR NURSING MOTHERS
To ensure that both mother and baby are thriving, it is crucial for nursing mothers to focus on a diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Here are some of the most important foods that can provide the needed nutrients for a baby’s development:
Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Broccoli)
Leafy greens are packed with vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. These nutrients are vital for the development of the baby’s bones and immune system, as well as for maintaining the mother’s health. They also help support milk production.
Lean Proteins (Chicken, Turkey, Eggs, Beans)
Protein is essential for repairing tissues and building muscles. Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, eggs, and beans provide the necessary amino acids needed for the baby’s growth and help maintain the mother’s muscle strength.
Fatty Fish (Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel)
Fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for the baby’s brain and eye development. These healthy fats also support the mother’s cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
Whole Grains (Brown Rice, Oats, Quinoa)
Whole grains provide complex carbohydrates that give the mother sustained energy throughout the day. They are also a good source of fibre, which aids digestion, and B vitamins, which are important for energy production and stress management.
Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Yogurt)
Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for the baby’s bone and teeth development. They also help the mother replenish the calcium lost during breastfeeding, supporting her bone health.
Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Walnuts, Chia Seeds)
Nuts and seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and magnesium. They provide a steady source of energy and contribute to the overall health of both mother and baby. Additionally, they support brain function and can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression.
Fruits (Berries, Oranges, Bananas)
Fruits are high in vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sugars. They boost the mother’s immune system, provide quick energy, and help with the absorption of iron, which is important for preventing anaemia in both mother and baby.
Legumes (Lentils, Chickpeas, Black Beans)
Legumes are an excellent source of plant-based protein and iron. They help in maintaining the mother’s energy levels, prevent anaemia, and support the healthy growth of the baby.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining an adequate milk supply. Nursing mothers should drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and other hydrating fluids to support their body’s needs and ensure sufficient milk production.
CONCLUSION
A nursing mother’s diet is a powerful tool in supporting her baby’s growth and development. By incorporating nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, fatty fish, whole grains, and fruits into her daily diet, a mother can ensure that her breast milk is rich in the essential nutrients her baby needs. Additionally, proper hydration and a focus on balanced nutrition can help the mother maintain her energy levels and overall health.
Ultimately, the choices a mother makes about her nutrition during breastfeeding have a lasting impact on both her and her baby’s well-being. With the right foods and a commitment to self-care, a mother can give her baby the healthiest start in life, while also nurturing her own body and spirit.
UNDERSTANDING HOLISTIC WELLBEING
Holistic wellbeing is a comprehensive approach to health that emphasises the connection between the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. It goes beyond the absence of illness. It is aiming for a state of balance and harmony in all areas of life, encompassing the very nature of man - Spirit, Soul and Body. By considering the whole person, holistic wellbeing seeks to optimise health through an integrated and balanced approach.
DIMENSIONS OF HOLISTIC WELLBEING
1. PHYSICAL HEALTH: THE BODY'S FOUNDATION
Physical health forms the cornerstone of holistic wellbeing. It includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and preventive healthcare. Beyond these basics, it’s also about engaging in activities that bring physical joy and vitality, like multi-sports, dancing to hiking, swimming and so on.
2. MENTAL HEALTH: CULTIVATING A HEALTHY MIND
Mental wellbeing is crucial for overall health. It involves managing stress, maintaining a positive mindset, and engaging in continuous learning. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive exercises keep the mind sharp and resilient, enhancing mental clarity and emotional stability.
A NARCISSISTIC MOTHER'S EFFECT ON HER CHILD
A NARCISSISTIC MOTHER'S EFFECT ON HER CHILD
Every child dreams of growing up with parents who are kind, loving, and supportive. They flourish when they can share their joys and struggles, confident that they'll receive unwavering love and encouragement. From the earliest days, children feel the warmth of being cherished and valued.
Yet, the agony of feeling unloved by their own mother, the one who should be their ultimate source of unconditional love and support, is profound. A mother is meant to unite the family, shoulder her children's burdens, and provide a nurturing haven.
The heartbreak of having a narcissistic mother is one of the worst fates for a child. It's a cruel contradiction where the person destined to offer unconditional love instead prioritises her own needs, leaving deep emotional wounds and lifelong distress.
WHO IS A NARCISSISTIC MOTHER?
A narcissistic mother is one who exhibits traits of narcissism, such as an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive admiration, validation and a lack of empathy. She prioritises her own needs and desires over those of her children, often manipulating and exploiting them to achieve her own goals. This can manifest in her “forcing” the children to study courses that she feels will cover her own inadequacies and inferiority complex. Or she could interfere in their choices of a marriage partner, prioritising individuals solely because of their wealth or societal status with little or no care for who their child actually wants to marry. It can manifest in many ways. This type of mother can appear charming and loving in public but is emotionally abusive and neglectful in private.
IMPACT ON A CHILD'S GROWTH AND MENTAL HEALTH
The effects of being raised by a narcissistic mother are profound and far-reaching, impacting various aspects of a child's growth and mental health:
● Low Self-Esteem: Always undermining, constant criticism and unrealistic expectations from a narcissistic mother can lead children to believe they are never good enough. She constantly compares the siblings with each other. This pervasive sense of inadequacy can severely damage their self-esteem and confidence.
● Emotional Neglect: Narcissistic mothers are so selfish that they often are unable to provide the emotional support and validation that children need. This leads to feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and emotional deprivation, as the child’s emotional needs are ignored or invalidated.
● Difficulty Forming Healthy Relationships: Growing up with a narcissistic mother can impede a child's ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. Trust issues and fear of intimacy often stem from the manipulative and self-centred behaviour they experienced, making it challenging to connect with others authentically. She is always right and frequently tries to manipulate her husband to always side her against their children even when she is wrong.
● Chronic Guilt and Shame: Children of narcissistic mothers frequently feel responsible for their mother’s unhappiness and shortcomings. This misplaced guilt and internalised shame can become a heavy burden, impacting their mental health and sense of self-worth. This is very dangerous because it often pushes the children to do “all it takes” to compensate for this inferiority complex in their mother, which can lead to them delving into negative options just to please her.
● Anxiety and Depression: The emotional instability and lack of support in their upbringing can lead to chronic anxiety and depression. The constant emotional turmoil and fear of their mother’s reactions create a state of perpetual stress and unease.
● Identity Issues: A narcissistic mother often enforces her own identity and desires onto her children, leaving them confused about their own sense of self. This lack of personal identity can hinder their development and make it difficult for them to understand who they are independent of their mother’s influence. The children cease to be themselves and rather are living the mirrored life of their mother.
CONCLUSION:
A narcissistic mother's terrible impact on her child's development is both distressing and significant. Every child needs to grow up in a loving atmosphere full of love, support, and empathy. Instead, children of narcissistic mothers face emotional manipulation, neglect, and a deep sense of unworthiness.
Parents have a vital role in determining their children's futures. It is critical for parents to put their children's emotional mental well-being over their own need for recognition. Only through selfless and loving parenting can children develop into confident, emotionally secure persons capable of forging healthy relationships.
The scars caused by a narcissistic mother may be profound, but with understanding, support, and right guidance, these children can recover and reclaim their sense of self and identity. Let us work to build a world in which every child feels respected, loved, and unconditionally supported, free of narcissistic influence.
#treasureyourmentalhealth
Multi Sports Activities will promote sports, athletes development for greater society, says Rangers Foundation Chairman
“Rangers Intl FC Foundation as the the first football club foundation in Nigeria with commitment to exposing children and young persons to life changing experience and opportunities, mental and general well being amongst others is partnering and already engaging children and young persons strategically using the instrumentality of multi sports activities framework in partnership with Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation” - Amaraizu
Multi sports Activities and Framework have been identified as a veritable sports framework which is tailored towards enhancing broad range of skills amongst children and young persons desirous of becoming a football player or an athletes.
The Chairman Rangers international Football Club Foundation, Ebere Amaraizu disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu while reacting on the essence of partnership with cope and live mental health awareness foundation on effective implementation of multi sports activities / Framework.
Amaraizu, who is also a certified Coach and an Olympic sports Administrator and manager noted that children and young persons participation in multi sports will help them as prospective athletes and the development of broad range of skills for their sporting journey and multi talents in sports.
He noted that it is good for athletes development which will bring about enhancement of athletes physical and mental abilities, cutting across size, power, body, composition, strength, speed and skill.
“This is because each sports involves unique movements, strategies and mentalities and so by engaging in a variety of sports, an athlete will enhance their overall cognitive, affective and psychomotor abilities.”
Amaraizu, who also is the chairman of the Enugu State Taekwondo Association and also Boxing Association gave an insight that playing basketball improves hand to eye coordination, just as swimming can build endurance and strength and chess with the development of mindset and mental state in terms of decision making and making of choices and same with taekwondo with indomitable spirit, perseverance, integrity, courtesy and self control.
He pointed that any athlete involved in multi sports is bound to reap the dividends abound in those sports he is participating and which also will make him to be versatile and multi talented.
“It will also provide an enabling platform for athletes to interact with diverse group of people thereby fostering connectivity, sense of community cohesion and unity. It will also promote the skills of togetherness and teamwork and other valuable life skills beyond sports.”
“We have also concluded modalities to kickstart multi sports activities with Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation under Rangers international Football Club Foundation in the community and with a mouthwatering sports activity codenamed Foundation kicks which covers our street sports activities within Enugu and other south eastern states and with our upcoming summer multi sports activities and class for children and young persons.
Ebere Amaraizu, Anipr, Cipr(UK) is a coach, Olympic sports Administrator and manager, former Police Public Relations Enugu State and former National Coordinator POCACOV. He is a PREVENT SOC’s Policing Expert and Trainer, Child care expert, Alumni Member of U.S Government’s International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) on U.S Judicial System; Protecting women and children.
MENSTRUAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE
Menstrual Hygiene is key in promoting good health in girls and women and it simply means the use of clean menstrual management material to absorb menstrual blood. Menstruation known as "Period" occurs when an egg attached to the wall of the uterus is not fertilised by sperm so the uterus lining breaks down and bleeds causing a period and this occurs between 2 to 7 days.
Good menstrual hygiene promotes girls’ and womens’ dignity, privacy, body integrity and self worth while poor menstrual hygiene poses serious health risks like reproductive and urinary tract infection, infections like hepatitis B which can lead to infertility and birth complications, body odour, discomfort, psychological stress, shame and sometimes depression especially because of the stigma that comes with poor management of menstruation.
Here are some menstrual hygiene practices one can adopt during menstruation:
1. Wear light underwear preferably cotton.
2. Change menstrual products every few hours and more frequently for heavy flows and dispose of used products properly.
3. Keep private area clean.
4. Drink enough liquids to reduce headache and dizziness because of loss of blood and iron.
5. Keep records and monitor your period cycle to avoid embarrassment.
6. Use unscented toilet paper, tampon or pads.
7. Take your bath at least twice daily during your period.
8. Wash your hands after each change of menstrual products.
9. During your period, avoid diets high in sugar, spicy food and caffeine etc rather eat foods rich in Iron, Omega 3, vitamins & minerals etc.
10. Watch out for mood swings to avoid frustration.
Mental Health is not Madness - Otalike
SOCIAL MEDIA, DISINFORMATION/MISINFORMATION, MENTAL HEALTH AND THE SOCIETY
Misinformation and disinformation are often persuasive and are written to create shock or to impress the reader. This is why developing a critical mindset is essential to keep your emotional response to such stories in check.
The advent of advanced technology and digital infrastructure have also inadvertently seen a prevalence of misinformed views, falsehoods and skewed facts often misleading and sometimes insufficient whether the information is about politics, health, science etc.
People are eager to disseminate misinformation/disinformation when the story aligns with their personality or social values; when it is unconventional, elicits strong emotions or simply serves their interests.
Information spreads faster on social media than on mainstream news outlets because several unique features of social media encourage viral content which can either be true or filled with errors.
Speedy publication and information sharing allow users to distribute information quickly to large audiences, unchecked.
Also, people can share information that gets recognition and approval from others.
These factors and more can give rise to a spike in misinformation/disinformation which pose serious risks for the society. For instance, the duo has been identified as major contributors to various contentious contemporary issues:
Belief in both misinformation and disinformation can lead to poor judgements and poor decision-making which can have disastrous personal, societal, national or global implications. A clear example is false census data collected for political, religious or other purposes which are used to plan for National development and project distribution or false election results and the lasting implication on Nations across the world. Truth is that the spread of misinformation and disinformation has affected our ability to improve public health, address climate change, maintain a stable democracy and more because long after erroneous beliefs have been corrected, manipulated narratives can exert lingering influence on people's reasoning because of its influence on memory and decision making.
This gives rise to inevitable challenge for social interaction among families, groups, nations and so on.
The most underrated havoc of this menace is its effect on our individual and collective mental health because misinformation and disinformation often explore negative emotions such as fear, anger, or distrust; to manipulate individuals into believing false or misleading information, having the potential to polarise public opinion, promote violent extremism and hate speech.
Young persons are particularly more vulnerable to misinformation as they spend a significant amount of their time on social media and surfing the Internet. They rely heavily on information circulated online which in turn helps form their opinion and how they perceive reality. Most times, social media is false reality having no relationship with truth.
The Mental health of most young people has thus been affected without them even being aware of it.
Correct information is characterized by its accuracy, verifiability, brevity, balance and truthfulness.Any information devoid of these is misinformation/disinformation.
In addressing the challenges posed by disinformation, we should always offer accurate and fact-based information to counter disinformation.
Where possible, provide reviewed citations and offer credible and well-known sources to support and promote accuracy.
Instead of immediately reporting information, document it by saving web links, taking screenshots, and tracking engagements over time.
Filter through news by thinking critically about the information, assessing how reliable the source is, fact-checking and researching.
This way, you will be able to use your discretion to decide whether you’re going to believe the information being fed to you.
Antenatal and Postpartum depression
Sexual Abuse of The Boy Child
PERSISTENT DEPRESSIVE DISORDER IN CHILDREN AND TEENS
A child or teen with persistent depressive disorder will have a sad or grumpy mood most days for at least a year. They might also have trouble eating, sleep, feeling tired, not feeling good about themselves, having trouble focusing, making decisions, or feeling hopeless.
The condition, though less severe than major depression, persists for extended periods. It is characterised by a persistent feeling of mild depression or irritability, although it occasionally triggers more intense emotions. Unfortunately, it often remains undiagnosed and, if left untreated, can escalate into more severe mental health and behavioural issues. Fortunately, it can be effectively managed through psychotherapy and medication.
Exposure to traumatic experiences in children can lead to mental illnesses such as depression, eating disorders, behavioural and emotional disorders, anxiety disorders and so on.
Traumatic experiences include: Having a long-term illness, being bullied, witnessing domestic violence, sexual abuse / harassment, changing home or school, a dysfunctional family, separated or divorced parents, death of someone close to them and so on.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PDD
Genetics
Imbalance in the brain (lack of neurotransmitters)
Bullying
Traumas
A dysfunctional family
Environmental factors
Divorce or separation
Domestic violence
Physical and sexual abuse
School difficulties like exam failure or bullying
Social isolation
Weight or health issues
Family disharmony
Poor communication in the family
SYMPTOMS OF PDD:
Reduced or Increased appetite
Insomnia or hypersonic
Low energy
Poor self esteem
Feeling hopeless
Difficulties concentrating etc