Why Nigerians Need to Stop Treating Therapy Like a Sign of Weakness

Sometimes, I look at the pressure Nigerians carry and wonder how many of us are truly okay. The economy is difficult, salaries often do not stretch, relationships can be draining, and many people are worried about the future. Yet, when therapy comes up, people still ask whether someone has a serious problem. We have normalised suffering. Many people say they are fine while dealing with anger, sleeplessness, anxiety, grief or emotional exhaustion. Men are often told to stay strong, women are expected to carry every responsibility, and young people are dismissed as if their struggles do not count. Prayer and faith can bring comfort, but they do not have to replace professional support. A person can pray and still speak with a therapist. Seeking help does not mean someone lacks faith or has failed. It means they are taking their emotional well-being seriously. Therapy cannot fix the economy or remove every source of stress, and access remains difficult for many people. Still, we need to stop shaming people who ask for help. Instead of dismissing someone who says they are not okay, we should listen, offer support and ask whether they are getting the help they need.

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