By Al Humphrey Onyanabo
Week 1:
“A strong mind is not a luxury. It’s a survival tool — especially in Nigeria today.”
WE DON’T talk about mental health enough in Nigeria. When we do, it’s usually after something tragic has happened — a public breakdown, a suicide, a young person “running mad,” or someone “just acting somehow.” But mental health is not something we should only address when it becomes a crisis.
Mental health is everyday health. It is the way we think, feel, relate with others, manage stress, and navigate challenges. And right now, with the economy getting harder, prices rising daily, jobs disappearing, and uncertainty in the air, protecting our minds is more critical than ever.
So, What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is not the absence of problems. It doesn’t mean you are always happy or never cry. It means you are able to handle life’s ups and downs without falling apart completely. It means your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are in balance enough to live, work, relate, and even enjoy life — even in difficult times.
The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community.
Yes, you can be broke and still mentally healthy — but the pressure of poverty can slowly chip away at your emotional wellbeing if ignored.
Let’s Debunk a Few Common Myths
In our society, mental health is surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. Let’s clear the air.
Myth 1: “Mental illness na madness.”
→ Truth: Mental illness exists on a spectrum. Not everyone who is mentally ill is roaming the streets. Anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma — these are all real, common, and often invisible.
Myth 2: “Na oyibo thing.”
→ Truth: Nigerians also struggle with mental health — we just don’t talk about it enough. Whether you’re in Lagos, Lokoja or London, stress is stress, pain is pain.
Myth 3: “You just need to pray more.”
→ Truth: Prayer is powerful, but it should work with professional help when needed — not replace it. Even the strongest faith can benefit from emotional support.
Myth 4: “Men don’t cry. Be strong!”
→ Truth: Suppressing emotion isn’t strength; it’s suffering in silence. Real strength is knowing when to speak up and seek help.
Real Talk: “I Didn’t Even Know I Was Struggling”
Chioma, 29, an events planner in Abuja, shared:
> “I was snapping at everyone. I couldn’t sleep. I cried easily and couldn’t explain why. But I kept working because in this Nigeria, you must hustle. One day I just broke down and had to cancel all my jobs. That’s when I realized, ah, this is not ordinary stress.”
Her story is common. Many Nigerians don’t know what anxiety or depression looks like. We say, “I’m just tired” or “Na hustle dey worry me” — but sometimes it’s much deeper than that.
Why Now Is the Time to Pay Attention
Nigeria is going through a hard season. For many, daily survival feels like a battle. But no matter what’s happening outside, we still need peace inside.
You need a healthy mind to make sound decisions for your business or family.
You need emotional stability to raise your kids or support your spouse.
You need mental clarity to drive in traffic, attend meetings, write that CV, or survive in this economy.
Neglecting your mental health now is like ignoring a wound — it won’t disappear, it will deepen.
So What Can You Do?
Start by acknowledging that mental health matters. It matters for you, for your loved ones, for your community. Then take these small but powerful steps:
1. Talk. Share your feelings with someone you trust. You’re not alone.
2. Check in with yourself. Ask, “How am I really doing today?”
3. Avoid shame. Struggling mentally doesn’t mean you are weak.
4. Read and learn. The more you understand mental health, the better you can care for yourself and others.
5. Ask for help. If it’s too much, talk to a mental health professional. Help exists.
Na True Talk:
“Strong people also break sometimes. It doesn’t mean they are weak — it means they are human.” — Tunde, a mechanic in Ibadan who started seeing a therapist after years of grief.
Mind Tip of the Week
Take 5 minutes each day to be silent. No phones. No stress. Just breathe and be. Your mind needs rest, not just your body.
Help Corner
Mentally Aware Nigeria (MANI): www.mentallyaware.org
She Writes Woman Helpline: 0800 800 2000
LUTH Suicide Research & Prevention: 09080217555
Instagram for education & support: @mentallyawareng, @asido_foundation
From Scripture
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.” – Psalm 55:22
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” – Qur’an 94:6
In next week’s article, we’ll dig deeper into how Nigeria’s economic stress is impacting our emotional lives, and how to recognize when the pressure is becoming more than just “normal stress.”
If you’ve ever said, “I’m just tired” but still feel overwhelmed… that next piece is for you.
