Depression: How Nigerian Women Can Protect Themselves
Experts are urging Nigerian women to let go of negative emotions and experiences to manage depression, which is increasingly affecting their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
The founder of The Excellent and Dignified Woman (TED-Woman), an interdenominational gathering of women, Busola Lanre-Oke, gave advice during a women’s forum in Abuja.
The forum’s focus was on managing depression and aimed to raise awareness and provide support for women struggling with mental health issues.
Ms Lanre-Oke emphasised the need to release emotional burdens, citing anxiety, betrayals, and unfulfilled expectations as common triggers for depression.
She encouraged women to address what they could control, stay active, and seek help when necessary.
Ms Lanre-Oke said, “You need to get something doing. There is an adage that says, ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Get to work’. Personally, I do not support the idea of a full housewife.
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“Do something, sell something. Even if your husband places you on a monthly salary, you can still get yourself busy by engaging in any skills or selling even recharge cards.
“When you are idle, you are prone to depression. It is also important to let go of negative emotions and experiences and stay active to combat stress and depression.”
A medical expert, Samuel Abah shared valuable insights on managing depression in various life stages and situations.
Mr Abah stressed that depression could affect anyone, regardless of age, and emphasised the need for prevention and early intervention. He noted that women were more prone to depression than men, especially during menopause.
“Depression is more common among women than men. Both young children that are female and younger women: as long as you are a woman, you have been exposed to depression.
“Learn to overlook things. Learn to rest and give yourself rest. If you can do these things, you won’t have depression.
“Take care of your health. Menopause is a big thing that leads to depression too but my emphasis today is how to prevent depression, not treatment.”
