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A Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Dapo Adegbaju has urged Nigerians who have loved ones in Ukraine to seek psychological support, noting that the ongoing war in the country could impact their mental health.
According to Adegbaju, families in Nigeria with members in war-torn Ukraine should not take the emotional troubles they may be going through as a result of fear about the safety of their loved ones lightly because it can lead to serious mental health issues.
The psychiatrist noted that it is advisable for those who are outside Ukraine but have family members in the country to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist to cope with the realities of the ongoing war.
Adegbaju also added that Nigerians who survive and make it back into the country from Ukraine should also see a therapist for debriefing saying that “tackling mental challenges due to the war early will go a long way in helping those affected” and help ensure they are mentally healthy after such a traumatic experience.
Recall Russia had on February 24 invaded Ukraine. This invasion was marked by rocket attacks in major Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv which has led to dozens of deaths of civilians and military personnel.
On Friday the Federal Government had said that there are about 5,600 Nigerians in Ukraine, noting that the nation is concerned about their safety.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Godfrey Onyema, however, noted that it would be too risky to evacuate the Nigerians in the country at the moment.
“The advice we were getting is that we should not panic. The embassy was in touch with the students telling them to take reasonable precautions,” Onyema added.
It was revealed that some Nigerian citizens have safely crossed into Poland in an attempt to flee the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Speaking on the impact of the war on Nigerians with family members resident or schooling in Ukraine, Adegbaju said they should seek mental health intervention.
According to him, “Wars have a great impact on people’s mental health and it can bring about virtually all the mental disorders that are available.
“Wars are at risk factors for Anxiety Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, or even Schizophrenia.”
The consultant psychiatrist urged the families to seek psychological first aid which can help them deal with the situation of their family members in Ukraine.
According to him, they need comfort in this time of distress, adding that they should seek out information from experts on needed coping mechanisms so they do not break down.