How to ‘address suicide, depression rates’ in Nigeria

Enahoro Okhae, an emotional intelligence expert, says there is need for increased awareness of emotional intelligence to address issues of productivity, depression and suicide in the country.

Okhae, chief executive officer, Pause Factory, a management consulting company, said this at a press briefing in Lagos.

He said people need to understand their emotions, adding that it has a major effect on human productivity at work and relationship with other members of the society.

“We are in an age where everything is fast. At this age, it has become necessary for people to manage stress, emotions, people need resilience. Emotional intelligence helps to make optimal decisions,” he said.

The expert said the increased use of machines at work places testifies to the need for more understanding of emotional intelligence, adding that only jobs that deal with human to human interactions are sustainable.

He asked Nigerians to develop intrinsic motivation, identify their goals, and remain optimistic.

He added that parents also need to learn patience in order to build good relationships with their children.

“It is emotion that is driving people to drive organisational performance,” he said.

“The rate of suicide and depression is alarming. It is not new, but what is new is that social media is helping us to see it. And as people are seeing it, it is becoming an option.

“Now there is depression everywhere, there is sadness, people are committing suicide, but at the height of this is their inability to manage stress, depression, and resilience. But when people practice emotional intelligence, they can get into a sad situation and then get out of it.”

Okhae emphasized that numerous researches have shown that emotion is a product of human thoughts, encouraging organisations to increase awareness of emotional intelligence among staff members.

He said the third edition of Africa emotional intelligence conference, organised by the company, will soon be held to derive solutions to emotional problems.