MANAGING POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED RETURNEES IN BORNO AND YOBE STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

The focus of this study is posttraumatic stress disorder among those who have experienced internal displacement as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern states of Nigeria's Borno and Yobe. This is due to the lack of attention paid to the issue of posttraumatic stress in relation to internally displaced individuals in the area. The primary goals of this study were to examine the major factors that contribute to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among internal displacement returnees as they return to their original environment, to ascertain whether they had been subjected to any posttraumatic support activities intended to help them reclaim their former selves, and to ascertain whether the returnees had independently developed any coping mechanisms. Purposive sampling was used in the study to choose samples from the regions where returnees are easily accessible for the investigation. The chosen samples were given questionnaires, which were created. In Borno, they included Bama, Dambua, and Konduga, while in Yobe State they included Gujba, Gulani, and Geidam. The results demonstrate that most respondents said they had not received any kind of posttraumatic exercise to aid them in coping with prior traumatic occurrences. It also shows that many people were still in a state of shock when they remembered their predicament. Therefore, it is strongly urged that before sending displaced persons back to their original location, the government should make sure that they are given the required coping mechanisms. To keep them interested, they should also be offered entrepreneurial skills.