There is a thin line between sanity and insanity. And in this dark terrible times were everything seems to be 'falling apart', to borrow the words of a renowned novelist, that line is more thinner than ever. Today — insanity is the norm, to be sane is the exception.
In Africa, there's this misconception that every mad person on the street is a victim of some black magic! Well, this is no thanks to Africa magic. However, as appealing as this argument may seem, I beg to differ. Not every insane person out there is suffering from spiritual voodoo! There are various reasons why someone may simply go 'gaga', if I may use that word. Some of those reasons will shock you.
Firstly, people may go insane after excessive abuse of hard drugs. In Pidgin parlance we say, “Hin brain don knock!” So, beware of getting too high; after all, you ain't the most high! 😂
Secondly, people may also go mad to escape their miserable existence! I've seen an insane man refer to himself as 'the president' or another case of a woman who's happily married with three kids. Who knows, perhaps in the real world, the former regards himself as a total loser while the latter has an abusive relationship with her spouse. And if that's the case, insanity becomes a succour from certain harsh realities.
Another reason why someone may go insane could be over-thinking! Believe it or not, a person can actually worry themselves into a state of madness! Presently, with all the talks of coronavirus and a looming global economic recession, one can easily worry oneself into a state of 'kolomentalism' if one is not careful.
Therefore, it is very important that we learn to find positive ways to deal with our problems and also find ways to help others deal with their challenges. Rather than spend so much time brooding over that problem, why not talk to a friend about it. It's only in Africa and other Third World countries that we underestimate the importance of therapy. Don't be misguided — talking to someone helps!
Finally, I'd like to use this medium to appeal to the Bayelsa State Government, to please do something about the increasing number of mad people on the streets of Yenagoa. The situation is becoming quite worrisome and I'm particularly concerned that one day I might just board the same keke with a mad person! It's really pathetic. 😔
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