Emotional Behavioural Problems of Left -Behind Youths in Nigeria

BY

MRS. Aregbesola Janet O

Photo Caption:Mr Agbojule Imole Witness of University of Lagos

OUTLINE OF PRESENTATION
Introduction
Definition of the term Emotional Problems
Instances
Definition of the term Behavioural Problems
Instances
Effect of these Problems on Nigeria
Solution to the Problems
Conclusion
Appreciation

INTRODUCTION
The recent trend of struggle by youths and adults to leave the country due to a desire to prosper amidst the high cost of living,low standard of living,weak economy,social distress,underemployment,political unrest,inadequate infrastructure,insecurity and limited access to quality education and health care is contributing to disillusionment among the youth.

There is some level of uncertainty about what the future holds, especially for young Nigerians.
The pull factors to a new country are stability in the new country,higherpayratesorbetteropportunities.

DEFINITION OF EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS
Youths whose parents, friends, and colleagues were left behind in Nigeria due to relocation abroad have mixed feelings and actions.
Emotional problems/challenges refer to negative emotionslike sadness, anger, loneliness, jealousy, self-criticism, fear,or rejection which can be difficult, even painful at timesdueto theinability to alsotravel abroad.
Some emotional problems can be handled with the rightmindset, some by seeing a Counsellor while some requiretheserviceof WellnessExperts/Psychiatrists.

EXAMPLES OF EP
Feelings of Betrayal: This is due to secrecy or lack of disclosure.This has broken trust and shattered people’s confidence.Most friendships succumb to distance and crumble under the weight of relocation.Adding to these existing strains is the secrecy of Japa.
DiscontinuedRelationship/Heartbreak:Many relationships were discontinued with young people left-behind feeling heartbroken.

Some automatically start a new life without informing the other party.

EXAMPLES OF EP
Destiny Delay: Many who notice most of their friends have gone and they unable to raise money or continue to face rejection perceive it as a delay to their destiny or that they are under a curse or spiritual bondage.

 

Mrs Adenike Okunrinmeta,(middle in green), Executive Director,Youth Care Project,Collaborators With RASTAY,and other Speakers in the One -Day Workshop ,Held in Ikeja, Lagos,last week

 

EXAMPLES OF EP
Depression:Thoughts of rejection and delay in career can be highly traumatic,frustrating and depressing.
Disturbed sleep:When a person’s mind is occupied with distressing thoughts, overthinking etc.Insomnia can set in.
Loss of appetite:Eating can even become a challenge,due to these negative emotions.

DEFINITION OF BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS

Behavioural problems are culturally abnormal behaviour(s) of such intensity,frequency or duration that the physical safety of the person or others is placed in serious jeopardy.

They include aggression,blaming others,arguing,talking-to-self,self-harm,anger,etc.

EXAMPLES OF BEH.PROBLEMS(BP)
DrugUse/abuse:Failed efforts to travel,fraud victims, visa denial, and so on can lead to depression and can also make left-behind youthstoabusedrugs.
Alcohol Abuse:Left-behind youths can begin to take alcohol heavily due to lack of monitoring.

EXAMPLES OF BP
Frequent Sexual Activity: Left-hand youthsengage in risky activities such as engaging in unprotectedsex,having multiple sexual partners etc.Because parents/guardians are abroad.You cannot train a child virtually or in proxy.
Isolation/Withdrawn:Young people left-behind usually need someone to trust and share their concerns with. But they resort to always staying alone most times,some even feel rejected.

 

 

 

EXAMPLES OF BP
Frequent outburst/anger: Left-behind youths feel unloved due to seperation from loved-ones. The kind of frustration you exhibit when you feel you are behind and others have gone ahead of you.
Constantly Complaining: Left-behind youths nag,and complain,due to dissatisfaction with the government,policies,currency devaluation,inflation and life in general. Believing love ones abroad are living a    smooth life.

EFFECTS OF THESE PROBLEMS ON NIGERIA
These behavioural and emotional problems of left-behind youths has a negative effect on Nigeria, forinstance:
Loss of productivity:As left-behind youths will be going to work depressed,deprived,unhappy and frustrated. Thereby affecting organizations within the country negatively.
Low rate of creativity/innovation:Only a focused youth can birth ideas or profer solutions to problems of mankind.
Left-behind youth will instigate and join protests/unrests within the country e.g.Endsars
Negative Comments about their Nation especially on Social Media platforms

RECOMMENDATIONS
Parents/spouse intending to travel should make provision for their young ones to join them.
Parents should create a strong with their young ones.
Present Accurate Documentation:Have all the right papers especially when going for visa interview.
Getfirst-hand advice from friends that left the country instead of keeping malice with them.
Seek Professional Assistance especially registered andhighly recommended immigrationfirms.
Learn how to get scholarships and apply.
When overwhelmed talk to a Counsellor/psychologist.

Being paper presented  by

MRS. Aregbesola Janet O,Principal Assistant Registrar &HOD Counselling Unit,University of Lagos, Delivered on her behalf  by Mr Agbojule Imole Witness of the Univeristy of Lagos at the One day Workshop organised by RASTAY[Religious and Spiritual Lives of Transnational Young People of African Migrant-Backgrounds in collaboration with Youth Care Project-a non governmental organisation on health .

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