Chioma’s Story, Your Story – Let me tell you about Chioma. She is a twenty-two-year-old, high-flying 400L student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, studying Mass Communication. She is studying hard for her final exams, working her content creation side hustle online, while also selling soup bowls on campus. She takes care of her younger siblings and helps her mother to promote her shoe business online.
Chioma is always tired, always has a headache, skips meals, and barely gets any sleep due to her busy schedule. If you asked Chioma today, “Are you happy?” she would struggle to give you an honest answer.
What would you say about Chioma’s mental health?
Chioma’s story is not unique to a lot of people in Nigeria today, young and old. Due to the state of inflation and economic hardship that has plagued the nation, many people are overworked, undernourished, and under-rested. This has a significant impact on their well-being.
But most times, we are not even able to take a breath, pause, and recover. We’re always on the go, looking for the next opportunity.
This article is not here to tell you that this is a bad thing, or that you should not proactively work towards making your life better, because you should.
This article is here to support you while you work towards a better future. This article is here to give you some tips and resources that will help you navigate the day-to-day challenges and help you find a little bit of balance in this chaotic life that we live.
So, how do you take care of your mental health in the middle of all this hustle?
The truth is most of us were never taught how to care for our minds. We’re used to pushing through, tired, hungry, overwhelmed because we think rest is a reward we earn after everything else is done. But if you wait for the perfect time to rest or take care of yourself, that time may never come. You must be intentional about it. You must make room for it, even if it’s just in small ways.
Here are a few tips that might help you start caring for your mental well-being, even in the middle of life’s chaos:
1. Check in with yourself regularly
You ask people how they are doing, but when was the last time you asked yourself that question and answered honestly? You don’t need a fancy journal or therapist to start. Just pause occasionally and ask, “How do I feel right now?” Tired? Anxious? Drained? Excited? Acknowledging your feelings is the first step to understanding them.
2. Don’t underestimate the power of rest
Rest doesn’t always mean sleep although you need that too. Rest can be sitting quietly for 10 minutes without your phone. It can be taking a walk around your estate. It can be saying “No” to something that drains your energy. You’re allowed to take a break without feeling guilty. You’re human, not a machine.
3. Feed your body well
Yes, we know food is expensive. For some, skipping meals might even be unavoidable. But if it is within your control and you can, try your best to eat balanced meals. Eat foods that have high vegetable or fibre content like soups (Efo, Afang, Egusi, etc.) Eat seasonal fruits, as they will be cheaper to purchase. Like currently, it is cashew, mango, and agbalumo season. Take advantage of that and increase your fruit consumption. It is good for your gut health and ultimately, your brain will function well when it gets the right kind of fuel.
4. Talk to someone
You don’t always have to carry everything alone. Whether it’s a friend, a sibling, a lecturer you trust, or a professional, talking helps. Sometimes just saying things out loud gives you clarity and relief. You’d be surprised how much better you feel after sharing what’s on your mind.
5. Celebrate your little wins
Life can feel like a long list of things you haven’t achieved yet. But don’t forget to acknowledge how far you’ve come. You woke up, you showed up, you tried. That’s something. That’s strength. Don’t wait for big accomplishments to feel proud of yourself. Celebrate the small victories too.
You’re not weak for feeling overwhelmed. You’re just human.
Chioma’s story may sound familiar to you because, in one way or another, we’re all like her, trying to do the most with very little, trying to make something out of our lives in a system that makes it harder every day. And yes, you should keep going, keep dreaming, keep hustling. But please, don’t lose yourself in the process.
Your mind is not a machine. It’s the engine of everything you do. Take care of it.
And if all you can do today is breathe deeply, eat a decent meal, and get a few hours of sleep, that’s enough. You’re doing your best and your best is good enough.
You Deserve to Be Well
At the end of the day, no matter how ambitious, talented, or hardworking you are, none of it will matter if you burn out. You deserve peace of mind, not just a successful career. You deserve to rest, not just hustle. You deserve joy, not just survival.
So be kind to yourself. Take a breath. Slow down when you need to. Life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Pace yourself.
And remember, your mental health is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Prioritize it, protect it, and nurture it, just like you would with any other important goal in your life.
You’ve got this.
Helpful Resources You Can Start With
Here are some low-cost or free resources that can support your mental well-being:
Mental Health Helplines in Nigeria
- ⦁ Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI): Call/Text 08091116264
⦁ She Writes Woman Helpline: 0800 800 2000
Free Apps for Mental Health
- ⦁ Insight Timer – Guided meditations and calming music
⦁ Moodpath – Mental health check-ins and journaling
⦁ Shine – Daily self-care reminders and affirmations
YouTube Channels for Mental Wellness
- ⦁ Therapy in a Nutshell – Simple mental health tools
⦁ The Mindful Movement – Mindfulness and relaxation videos
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t keep silent. Speak up, reach out, and remember, you’re not alone.
You can get safe, confidential therapy services from a qualified psychologist at Serenity Mind Wellness. Reach out to us at 09163358312 or [email protected] .
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