During this protest in order to fight against the brutality, harassment, and extortion by men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), a number of details have come up.
Several people have come forward with their own stories or brutality that sound so horrible and almost unimaginable.
As if that is not bad enough, the sheer volume of these experiences is enough to make people have a mental breakdown.
Several people have shared on social media that they have taken time off to cry because they could not handle the happenings.
While joining the protest – both online and offline – is incredibly important, you need to take care of your mental health as well.
It is only when your mental health is stable that you can effectively protest and eventually get what you want.
Below are four ways that you can ensure that your mental health is intact during this period.
- Constantly check in with yourself. Do you still feel okay? Are you starting to get too overwhelmed by the information? If yes, then you know it is time for the second suggestion.
- Take regular breaks. You will not help anyone by constantly being online and overloading yourself with information. When you feel like you can’t handle much more, take a step back and take some time for yourself.
- Don’t feel guilty about not being online. Comfort yourself by thinking of the considerable work that you have done and the commendable things you will do when you return. If you spend time feeling guilty for resting, then that slows down your healing period.
- If resting doesn’t do it for you, then reach out to a therapist. There are several ways to engage the services of a therapist. Mentally Aware NG is offering free services to Nigerians battling mental health issues. Reach out.
Of course, you want to join the protests and join your voice to that of thousands of youths already demanding for change.
However, your mind must be sound in order to do that or else you may not be able to function properly both during and after the protest.
Use the suggestions above to keep yourself in great shape, mentally and don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Yes, this is true. I remember I was beating myself up about not joining the protest. Then, I decided to start posting about it
I am proud of those that protested. Sending them love and wishing all the best of mental health.