Mental Health Conditions in Omobowale’s Seasons of Rage

Abstract

The sub-discipline of “Literature and Mental Health” is gradually gaining root in the Nigerian literary scholarship. The depiction of medical experiences in literature have enjoyed some critical patronage, especially on trauma and scriptotherapy. Earlier studies on Nigerian Literature have privileged socio-cultural and socio-political issues to the marginalization of its mental health relevance. This study examines the mental conditions in Emmanuel Babatunde Omobowale’s Seasons of Rage. This text robustly represents mental health conditions through characterisation. Freddy is diagnosed of bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder and depression. This is evident through his character, as his mental state tends to be unstable. At some points, he would behave strong, bold and confident just as he did during the board meeting. At other points, he would be broken, weak and feel defeated as shown when he heard the news of his father’s death and Miriam’s kidnap. Martin also portrays the symptoms of obsession, depression and anxiety. This is evident in his inordinate desire for their father’s wealth and the various unreasonable means he employed to ensure that the whole wealth becomes his. The text also reveals that there is a psychological disorder peculiar to the Fezannis. This is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They all tend to be obsessed with taking drugs and substances. Omobowale’s creative works have demonstrated capacity to embed the study of Literature and Medicine. The exploration of Literature and mental health in Nigerian literary scholarship is capable of enriching mental education and practice in Nigeria.