Experts: More bombs, more mental problems, suicides

Mental problems, suicides, fear and suspicion will increase as a result of recurring bomb blasts in the country, experts have warned.

Mr. Samuel Jinadu, a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Psychological Medicine, Synapse Services, Abuja, told TheCable on Saturday that the impact of bomb blasts is far-reaching.

“Anxiety, nightmares and insomnia, which are symptoms of post-traumatic stress, are some of the immediate effects of bomb blasts on victims,” he said.

“Other psychological problems that will come up are repressed anxiety, internalised aggression and complete mental breakdown. There will also be some cases of suicide, which comes as a result of depression. The victims may feel helpless and hopeless, without any reason to continue life.”

According to Jinadu, the fact is that the blasts bring the victims closer to the reality of Boko Haram; while for the public, there will be severe fear, panic and suspicion.

“People will be suspicious of one another and afraid of going to some places,” he said.

“The impact is rife. It affects both the victims and the public. In fact, some on lookers might end up with anxiety problems, paranoia and depression for experiencing the gruesome waste of lives.”

He urged the government to show concern for the psychological effects of bomb blasts on victims, instead of only paying attention to their physical wounds.

“Boko Haram is trying to inflict wounds on the minds of Nigerians. It is therefore reasonable that the government considers rehabilitating victims of bomb blasts, instead of letting them go home after getting medical treatment,” Jinadu added.

“The wound on the mind is much worse, and some victims may not recover if they don’t get psychological help.”

Dr. Bukola Williams, another doctor at the same psychological hospital, corroborated Jinadu’s analysis, saying both the victims and the public are thrown into acute state of confusion as a result of bomb blasts.

“Suicide ideation is a consequence of bomb blasts, because some victims have lost limbs and their livelihoods,” said Williams.

“And people will become pessimistic about the government because they feel that the government can no longer protect them.”

Boko Haram has recently revved up its bomb attacks in the north and the federal capital territory of Abuja.

After detonating a bomb at the busy Emab Plaza in Abuja on Wednesday, killing 22 people and injuring 17, Boko Haram on Friday night executed a bomb-and-gun attack on People’s Hotel at Bayangari in Bauchi, Bauchi State, killing 10 people instantly and injuring 14.