School attacks, kidnappings and the worsening insecurity in the country are putting children at risk of depression, anxiety, poor academic performance, trust issues and post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health experts have warned.
The psychiatrists said that beyond the immediate fear and distress caused by kidnappings and violent attacks, many affected children and those who heard about the incident may struggle with emotional instability, memory problems and difficulties relating to others long after the incidents have ended.
They further stated that exposure to extreme violence at an early age could affect children’s mental development, increase the risk of substance abuse and aggression, and in some cases, make them vulnerable to recruitment into criminal and violent groups.
The experts warned that without urgent interventions to address the psychological toll of insecurity on children, Nigeria could witness a further increase in mental health disorders, adding to the over 60 million people already affected
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