Anxiety isn’t just being nervous about a test or feeling shy in public. For many young people in Nigeria, it shows up daily, when you’re alone, in class, or scrolling on social media. It’s not always loud. Sometimes, it’s a quiet battle inside your head. If you’ve felt restless, anxious, or afraid for no clear reason, you’re not alone, and there’s help.
Common Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety often shows up in sneaky ways. It doesn’t always look like panic attacks or uncontrollable fear. For many young Nigerians, especially those navigating school, relationships, and the pressures of modern life, anxiety can feel like:
- Overthinking everything, from text messages to future plans
- Avoiding social settings, even with people you love
- Physical symptoms like headaches, a racing heart, or constant fatigue
- Restlessness, like you can’t sit still or relax, even when you’re tired
- Feeling afraid or fearful without a clear reason
- Irritability or mood swings that make daily interactions harder
- A strong urge to escape or hide from responsibilities
These signs are more than just “worrying too much.” They can disrupt sleep, affect performance at school or work, and strain relationships.
These are more than just bad days. They’re signals that your mental health needs attention.
Real-Life Snapshots
Take Chika, a 300-level student at a university. Every morning before class, her stomach tightens, and she feels like everyone is staring at her, even when they’re not. She smiles but feels like crying underneath.
Or Tunde, 25, job-hunting in Lagos. He’s talented but hasn’t sent out any CVs this week. He tells himself he’s lazy, but deep down, he’s paralyzed by fear of rejection and failure.
These aren’t “just worries.” They’re examples of living with anxiety.
What Can Help You Feel Better
The good news. You don’t have to manage it alone. Here are steps that can help
- Try grounding techniques – like the 5-4-3-2-1 method (touch, sight, sound, smell, taste)
- Write it down – journaling can help process anxious thoughts
- Speak with a therapist or mental health coach
- Limit Doomscrolling -reduce time on social media if it spikes your anxiety
- Get moving – walks, home workouts, or dancing can lift your mood
Anxiety doesn’t make you broken, it makes you human. And just like physical health, mental health can be improved with care, consistency, and connection.
Whether you’re a student, a job seeker, or just figuring life out, remember: you are not alone.
Do not struggle alone; reach out for help today.
Your mental health matters. Speak to someone you trust, or connect with us via our contact form.
