There was a time when saying “I’m in therapy” in Nigeria would be met with raised eyebrows, a side-eye, and someone whispering, “hope it’s not madness?” But thankfully, times are changing, and fast. Emotional self-care is no longer reserved for Hollywood characters crying into tissues on leather couches. From Twitter threads to TikTok therapists, Gen Z and millennials across Nigeria are unlearning the stigma and giving therapy a seat at the table right next to jollof and coconut water.

Still, we have a long way to go. Many people suffer in silence, wear emotional exhaustion like perfume, and think “being strong” means pretending everything is okay. The truth? Mental wellness is strength. Vulnerability is power. And therapy? It’s not a last resort—it’s a lifestyle.

Let’s talk about how we can normalise emotional self-care in Nigeria, one conversation at a time.

Therapy is Not Taboo, It’s a Tool

Therapy is like going to the gym, but for your mind. You don’t wait until your legs stop working to start exercising, and the same goes for your emotions. It helps with everything from anxiety to heartbreak to simply understanding yourself better.

Not All Therapy Looks the Same

You don’t always need to be face-to-face with a therapist in a clinic. There are virtual platforms, wellness coaches, journaling, mindfulness apps, and group support circles. The goal is emotional maintenance, not perfection.

Your Feelings Are Valid

From breakups to burnout, from grief to confusion—what you feel matters. Stop brushing things off with “I’m fine” or “na small thing.” If it weighs on your heart or affects your sleep, it deserves attention.

 

You’re Not “Crazy” For Needing Help

Let’s bury that stereotype for good. Seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’re weak or unstable. It means you’re self-aware, emotionally responsible, and proactive about your peace of mind. If anything, that’s premium maturity.

Be Loud About Your Healing

When people share their therapy journey openly, it helps others see it as normal. Be the friend who says, “My therapist helped me realise…” Let’s make emotional self-care as trendy as skincare routines and matcha lattes.

It’s time we upgraded our definition of wellness to include what’s going on inside. Emotional self-care isn’t just for those “going through it” — it’s for all of us, every day. In the same way we exercise, eat clean, and track our water intake, we should check in with our thoughts and feelings, too.

Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about understanding your inner world so you can live more freely, love more deeply, and show up for yourself more consistently. So the next time you hear someone say, “You dey go therapy?” smile and reply, “Of course. Don’t you love your peace of mind?”

 

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