Mental illness can be a heavy burden anywhere, but in Nigeria, it comes with its own set of challenges. Stigma, cultural misunderstandings, and limited resources make it even harder to talk about mental health openly. We spoke with Nigerians dealing with different mental health conditions to understand their experiences, and here’s what they had to say:
1. “When people find out I have anxiety, they think I’m just ‘too sensitive.’”
Chibueze, 24
“As a man in Nigeria, admitting that I struggle with anxiety feels like saying I’m weak. People think that as a man, you’re supposed to just ‘deal with it’ and keep it moving. But for me, it’s never that simple. The anxiety hits me out of nowhere. Sometimes, I can feel my heart racing for no reason, and it feels like everyone’s watching, judging, waiting for me to make a mistake.
When I tried to open up to my friends, they just told me to ‘calm down’ or ‘stop overthinking.’ My family doesn’t understand either; they see it as being overly dramatic or emotional. When I try to explain how it feels, I honestly think they believe I’m speaking a different language. I wish they knew that if it were something I could control, I would have stopped it a long time ago. Living with anxiety in Nigeria can be a lonely journey, especially when no one around you seems to understand.”
2. “Depression? In this Nigeria? I was told to ‘snap out of it.’”
Kemi, 30
“I started struggling with depression in my early twenties, but for the longest time, I didn’t even have the words to describe it. All I knew was that I felt empty, disconnected, like there was a heavy weight on my chest that wouldn’t go away. When I first tried to open up to my mum, she brushed it off, saying I was lazy and needed to focus on something productive.
After that, I kept everything to myself. There were days when getting out of bed felt impossible. I would just lie there, staring at the ceiling, wondering why I felt this way. Even some of my friends didn’t understand—they’d say things like, ‘Why are you sad? You have a good job, family, everything you need.’ But depression doesn’t work that way.
Now, I have a few friends who get it, and they’ve been my support. But explaining my feelings to anyone else? I’ve just stopped trying. People think depression is something you can snap out of if you try hard enough, but they have no idea how much of a battle it is every single day.”
3. “Therapy isn’t cheap, but it saved me.”
Kunle, 27
“Growing up, I never thought I’d be someone who needed therapy. But after experiencing a traumatic incident, I found myself constantly reliving it. I couldn’t sleep; I’d wake up with nightmares, drenched in sweat. Going to crowded places became impossible, and I kept having these flashbacks that made me feel like I was losing my mind.
When I looked up therapy options, I was shocked by the cost. In Nigeria, therapy is seen as a luxury for the wealthy, and I had to think twice before committing. But I was desperate. Meeting my therapist was a turning point for me. I finally had someone who listened, who didn’t judge, who helped me find ways to cope with my PTSD. Not everyone has that chance, and I feel lucky, even if it means sacrificing other things to afford it. I wish more people had access to therapy without the financial burden.”
4. “Medication is like a hidden secret.”
Zainab, 22
“Last year, my doctor recommended medication to help with my depression. I didn’t even tell my family, because I knew they wouldn’t understand. In Nigeria, people think taking medication for mental health is only for people who are unstable or dangerous. But for me, it was a lifeline.
Every morning, I take my pill quietly, away from prying eyes. It helps me get through the day, helps me focus, and keeps the overwhelming sadness at bay. But I know what people would think if they found out. They’d see it as a weakness or a flaw in my character. I wish there was more understanding around mental health medication here. People need to know that taking care of your mental health is just as important as treating a physical illness.”
5. “People think mental illness is for ‘oyinbo people’.”
Sade, 32
“I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder five years ago, but I feel like I’ve been living with it my whole life. The highs and lows, the energy bursts, the deep depressions—all of it. But here in Nigeria, mental illness is seen as a foreign issue, something only ‘oyinbo people’ deal with. Nigerians think it’s something you can pray away or something that needs deliverance.
When I told my family, they tried to take me to church for healing. They thought I was possessed, or that I needed to cleanse my spirit. I felt humiliated. Eventually, I stopped talking about it. Now, I just try to manage it on my own. I take my medication, but only a few close friends even know what’s really going on. I wish people knew that mental illness isn’t ‘oyinbo sickness’ or a sign of a lack of faith. It’s real, and it affects people everywhere, including Nigeria.”
6. “Support? Sometimes it’s just me, myself, and I.”
Ahmed, 29
“One of the hardest things about living with mental illness in Nigeria is the isolation. People don’t understand what you’re going through, and even when they try, it’s hard for them to offer real support. I have social anxiety, and going out in public can be a struggle. I feel like everyone’s watching me, judging me, even if it’s all in my head.
I’ve found a few people online who understand, and that’s been a lifesaver. But for the most part, I’ve had to learn to depend on myself. I’ve taught myself coping techniques and created routines that help me manage. It’s lonely sometimes, but I feel stronger because of it. When I meet someone who gets it, even for a moment, it feels like finding a piece of myself I didn’t know was missing.”
7. “The conversations are changing, but it’s still a journey.”
Mfon, 26
“Growing up, mental health was never discussed. It was one of those things people kept quiet about. But now, with social media, more people are talking about it, and it’s refreshing. I see others sharing their stories, and it gives me hope. But there’s still a long way to go.
People still make jokes about mental illness, or they talk about it like it’s something that only affects the weak. I’ve had people laugh when I talk about my experience with depression. But I hold onto hope. I want to see a Nigeria where talking about mental health isn’t a taboo, where people can reach out for help without feeling ashamed.”
8. “We’re just trying to survive, one day at a time.”
Yinka, 35
“There’s no magic solution for mental illness here. Every day is a struggle, and you take it one step at a time. Some days are easier than others, and you learn to appreciate the little victories—getting out of bed, completing a task, even just smiling.
I’ve had to build my own support system, and that includes myself. I celebrate every small win because I know how much effort it takes just to get through the day. It would be nice if people saw the strength it takes to live with mental illness. We’re all just trying to survive, one day at a time, and I’m proud of myself for that.”