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Depression in Nigeria: Signs That Shouldn't Be Ignored, and How to Actually Get Help

Ezekiel Donvrichy
7 May, 2023

 



Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. If you're struggling, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional or one of the resources listed below.

Depression is more than sadness or a bad week — it's a real, treatable health condition that affects how someone thinks, feels, and functions day to day. In Nigeria, stigma often keeps people from recognizing it in themselves or getting help early, so knowing the real signs matters.


Signs Worth Paying Attention To




  • Struggling to get out of bed or function — not laziness, but genuine physical and mental exhaustion tied to depression


   


  • Major changes in sleep — sleeping far more or far less than usual, or trouble falling/staying asleep




  • Fluctuations in Appetite: Depression can also have an effect on our appetite and eating behaviors. While some people may have an increased appetite, others may have decreased appetites or not even feel hungry. Your eating patterns may alter depending on how you sleep. This is due to the fact that sleep controls our appetite hormones, preventing us from overeating or undereating.




  • Extreme Mood Swings Or Persistent Irritation: Having depression can lead to mood swings and outbursts. We can be upset one moment and start sobbing excessively or shutting down the next. A person who suffers from depression may experience sudden swings in mood. It may be a sign of depression if you observe a pattern of irritability or mood swings that extend longer than a few days.





  • Injury To Oneself And Self-harm: Some people may turn to self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings brought on by anxiety or depression. Self-harming actions are frequently used by people to cope with unpleasant emotions rather than as an attempt to end their lives. Self-harmers may find it challenging to receive help because the behavior is so stigmatized.


  


  •  Having Connection Issues: It can be an indication of depression when we notice that we are no longer finding enjoyment or pleasure in the things we used to appreciate. In other situations, people may also choose to distance themselves from their closest friends, family members, and other people who care about them, which may worsen depressive symptoms and the sense of hopelessness that they are experiencing.


What Actually Helps


  • Talking to a mental health professional — therapy (like CBT) genuinely helps, and platforms like Mytherapist.ng now offer private video sessions from anywhere in Nigeria
  • Leaning on people you trust — isolation tends to worsen depression; staying connected, even in small ways, matters
  • Basic routines — sleep, movement, and structure genuinely support mental health, even though they're not a full treatment on their own

  • Patience with treatment — if medication is involved, it typically takes 2–6 weeks to feel a difference; don't stop or judge it as "not working" too early without talking to your doctor

    When to Seek Help Immediately

    If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, showing a sudden worsening of symptoms, or unable to manage daily basic activities — please don't wait. Reach out right away:

    • National Emergency Line: 112
    • Lagos Emergency Line: 767
    • SURPIN (Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative): 24-hour helpline, operating across Nigeria — search "SURPIN Nigeria helpline" for current numbers
    • Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI): free, confidential support for young Nigerians — search "MANI Nigeria helpline"

    • Don't Ever Ignore These Symptoms:

    The most crucial action to take is to never disregard severe symptoms of depression.


    1. Plans or thoughts of suicide.


    1. A noticeable improvement in how severe your symptoms are.


    1. Unable to look after oneself or carry out daily activities.


    1. Abuse of substances or other negative coping methods.


    Real talk: depression lies to you — it tells you nothing will get better, that you're a burden, that no one would notice. None of that is true. Reaching out isn't weakness; it's often the hardest and bravest step someone takes.














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