Abuja - Post Report Question and Answers

Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?

The limited range of movement can be seriously frustrating. Use school vacations and R&R to get out as much as you can. - Sep 2019


We've stayed this long at this post because of the sun. I do not suffer from SAD here like I did in northern Europe, (The Netherlands is always gloomy). Mexico, Jordan, Saudi where all great for that. Germany and The Netherlands I had to have a 'happy light' and use St. John's Wort. As a trained psychologist, I would say that this post is not for the whining, faint of heart type. If you have kids and need household help, this would be a better post. Safe access to the school, large area to run around and play, close access to other wives and mothers, etc. On the other hand, if you've got a shopaholic wife or one who isn't content to stay home...this might be a very stressful situation for them. Also for people who are less than aggressive if they have to drive. To succeed on the road here you must be patient, but assertive and if you suffer from 'road rage' in D.C., don't assume because the traffic is less, that the frustration will also be less. - Feb 2019


Isolation is tough. You have fly out of here for any break. Some EFMs that don't work I believe have it tough. - Apr 2018


There is plenty of sunshine, so remember that Doxycycline increases sensitivity to sunlight. Also, there is some possibility of frustration from the poor driving. - Jun 2016


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