As Nigerians organize protests across the country to express their frustrations regarding economic difficulties and increasing poverty, an unidentified man made headlines in Lagos State on Thursday by undressing as a form of protest.
A correspondent from Naijatraffic, who was at the scene, observed the man walking through the streets of Ojota in the midst of the crowd, singing “Solidarity Forever.”
This attention-grabbing act has ignited conversations among mental health experts.
The protests, which began on August 1, 2024, under the hashtag #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria, aimed to highlight the challenges faced by the general populace.
According to Naijatraffic, psychiatrists noted that while this kind of behavior does not necessarily indicate a mental health issue, it could represent profound emotional or psychological distress linked to the economic hardships being protested against.
They pointed out that such extreme actions can sometimes blur the boundaries between activism and mental health challenges.
Dr. Kehinde Oderinde, a consultant psychiatrist specializing in drug addiction, mentioned that the act of stripping as a protest is quite unusual and that such drastic measures can serve to highlight the urgency of a particular issue.
Oderinde elaborated that this behavior could signify significant emotional or psychological turmoil.
From a mental health standpoint, the psychiatrist highlighted the necessity of understanding the context behind such actions.
He elaborated, “Seeing someone naked at a protest can indeed be striking and raises several questions. The behaviour of stripping naked as a form of protest isn’t typical, but “normalcy” can be subjective.
“People often use extreme methods to draw attention to their cause. This act alone doesn’t necessarily indicate a mental health issue but can be a form of extreme expression.
“Such behaviour might reflect high levels of distress, frustration, or a strong desire to make a statement. It could be a sign of emotional or psychological strain.
“However, it’s also possible that the individual used shock value deliberately. That is, he is mentally sound but highly committed to their cause.”
Speaking on how such action could affect others, the mental health expert added, “For some, such an act might be eye-catching and impactful, potentially raising awareness about the issue being protested.
“For others, it could be distressing or confusing, which might detract from the message of the protest or be perceived as disruptive.
“From a mental health standpoint, it’s essential to understand the context. If the person’s behaviour is part of a larger pattern of extreme actions or signs of distress, it might warrant a closer look by mental health professionals.
“However, if this behaviour is an isolated act for a specific cause, it might not necessarily reflect ongoing mental health issues but rather a deliberate, albeit extreme, form of activism. Understanding the full context and motivations behind such actions is crucial in evaluating their mental health implications accurately.”
Dr. Taiwo Shogunde, a clinical psychologist, highlighted the potential psychological toll of extreme protest actions, stating that they often indicate profound emotional distress or a sense of urgency.
He noted that such behavior may not necessarily signify a mental health disorder, but rather a manifestation of significant psychological pressure.
Dr. Shogunde emphasized the importance of understanding the context in which these actions occur, cautioning that if they are part of a broader pattern of extreme behavior, further evaluation may be warranted.
“Extreme protest actions like this can sometimes blur the lines between activism and mental health concerns. It’s crucial to understand the context in which these actions occur. If this is part of a broader pattern of extreme behaviour, it might warrant further evaluation.
“In many cases, these actions are strategic and purposeful rather than symptomatic of a mental health disorder,” he said.
Speaking on the impact on others, he added, “For some, the nudity might serve as a compelling method to bring attention to an important issue. However, others might find the display confusing or unsettling, which could detract from the intended message.”
Dr. Shogunde also acknowledged that while extreme protests can be strategic and purposeful, they may have a mixed impact on others, with some finding them compelling and others finding them confusing or unsettling.
This comes as Nigerians protest against economic hardship, with protesters in Lagos defying a court order to take to the streets and express their grievances, as reported by Naijatraffic.
