“Las Las, Everybody Go Dey Alright” – But Are We?

The phrase, “Las las, everybody go dey alright,” has become a national anthem for coping mechanisms or resilience in Nigeria whenever things go south. Whether it is job loss, a failed relationship, economic hardship, political instability, or even deep personal struggles, Nigerians have mastered the art of saying, “No wahala, we go dey alright.”

Behind the humor and survival mentality, many Nigerians are silently battling stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. But instead of addressing these struggles, we turn them into jokes and laugh them off, employ faith-based dismissals, and show a deep skepticism toward therapy.

So, the question remains: If we keep saying “las las, we go dey alright,” when exactly will we truly be alright?

This blog post will explore:

✅ Why Nigerians Are Skeptical About Therapy & Professional Help

✅     Why do Nigerians use humor as a coping mechanism?

✅ The hidden dangers of not addressing emotional struggles.

✅ How to balance faith with real mental health solutions.

✅ How professional counseling can help Nigerians truly be “alright.”

A.     Why Nigerians Are Skeptical About Therapy & Professional Help

Despite the increasing awareness of mental health in Nigeria, many people still think:

❌ “Therapy na for oyinbo people.”

❌ “Why go to therapy when I fit talk to my pastor or imam?”

❌ “I’m not mad, so why should I see a counselor?”

But here’s the truth:

• Therapy is not only for mentally ill or “mad” people—it helps deescalate stress, burnout, and emotional pain and to promote personal growth.

• Therapy doesn’t replace spirituality—it helps you develop practical coping strategies while still embracing your faith.

• Therapy is private and judgment-free—a professional counselor won’t mock, shame, or gossip about you.

Instead of seeing therapy as a Western luxury, Nigerians need to see it as a real solution for mental and emotional wellness.

Where Does This Skepticism About Counselling Come From?

• Cultural Conditioning – Nigerians are raised to be strong, endure hardship, and never complain. Therapy challenges this mindset.

• Lack of Awareness – Many people don’t even understand how therapy works or how it can help with everyday struggles like stress, relationship problems, and work pressure.

• Fear of Stigma – Admitting you need therapy still carries a lot of shame because people associate it with “madness.”

B.     The Nigerian Culture of Masking Pain With Humor

Nigerians are undisputed champions of turning pain into comedy.

• Fuel price increases? “Na trekking persin go do.”

• Electricity goes off for days? “Up NEPA for that one second of light!”

• A friend gets sacked from work? “No worry, na God give you forced vacation.”

On social media, even the most heartbreaking realities become viral jokes overnight.

But why do we laugh instead of addressing our struggles?

The Psychology Behind Our “Suffering & Smiling” Culture

• Humor is a defense mechanism – It helps us feel like we have control over things we cannot change.

• Vulnerability is seen as weakness – Nigerian society expects people to be “strong” and endure without complaining.

• We don’t trust that things will get better – Many Nigerians believe, “Even if you cry, nothing go change.”

The problem? Ignoring emotional pain doesn’t make it go away—it only makes it worse.

C.     The Hidden Dangers of Not Addressing Emotional Struggles

While humor helps us survive daily stress, constantly masking pain has serious consequences:

1. Chronic Stress and Burnout

Many Nigerians experience chronic stress without realizing it.

• Always tired, even after resting?

• Constant headaches and body pain?

• Losing motivation for things you once enjoyed?

These are signs of burnout, but instead of seeking help, we just say, “Na hustle life.”

2. Depression and Anxiety (But Nobody Talks About It)

• Even the guy who is always making jokes online? He may be struggling with depression.

• That friend who suddenly withdrew from social media? She may be battling anxiety.

• That colleague who is always “forming hard guy”? He may be dealing with deep emotional pain.

Depression and anxiety are real, but Nigerians often dismiss them as “bad vibes” or “overthinking.”

3. Emotional Numbness (The Silent Killer)

After years of suppressing emotions, many Nigerians become emotionally numb:

• They stop feeling joy, even during good times.

• They stop feeling pain, even when something hurts them deeply.

• They stop hoping for better days because hope feels pointless.

This numbness leads to emptiness, loneliness, and silent suffering.

4. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Since most Nigerians don’t talk about their struggles, they find other ways to cope:

❌ Overworking – Drowning emotions in endless hustle.

❌ Alcohol & substance use – Drinking to “relax” but escaping reality.

❌ Toxic relationships – Seeking temporary validation from the wrong people.

❌ Social media addiction – Scrolling for hours to avoid real-life struggles.

But these are temporary distractions, not real solutions.

D.     Balancing Faith With Real Mental Health Solutions

In Nigeria, many people believe prayer alone can solve mental health issues. While faith is powerful, it’s important to combine spirituality with real action.

• If you have malaria, you pray—but you also take malaria medicine.

• If your car breaks down, you pray—but you also call a mechanic.

• If you’re struggling mentally, prayer is great—but therapy can also help.

Faith and Therapy Can Work Together

✅ A pastor or imam can give spiritual guidance, but a therapist can provide emotional and psychological solutions.

✅ Prayer can bring peace, but therapy gives you practical tools to manage stress and anxiety.

✅ Reading scriptures can uplift you, but professional counseling can help you heal from deep emotional wounds.

It’s not about choosing one over the other—it’s about using both to live a healthier, more balanced life.

 E. How Professional Counseling Can Help Nigerians Truly Be “Alright”

1. Therapy Provides a Safe Space to Speak Freely

Unlike family, friends, or social media, a professional therapist won’t judge, dismiss, or gossip about your struggles.

Therapy helps you:

✅ Process your emotions instead of suppressing them.

✅ Understand your stress triggers and how to manage them.

✅ Break free from toxic patterns and create a healthier mindset.

2. Mental Wellness Improves Work, Relationships, & Life Quality

A healthy mind improves productivity, relationships, and personal growth.

• Workers with good mental health perform better.

• Couples who seek therapy have healthier marriages.

• Parents who take care of their emotional well-being raise happier children.

3. Therapy Helps You Find Balance Without Guilt

Many Nigerians feel guilty about resting or setting boundaries. Therapy teaches you that:

✅ Rest is not laziness.

✅ Saying no is self-respect.

✅ You don’t have to suffer before you succeed.

4. Therapy Is for Everyone—Not Just for “Mad People”

Seeking counseling doesn’t mean you are weak, broken, or crazy.

• CEOs go to therapy.

• Business owners go to therapy.

• Stay-at-home parents go to therapy.

• Even therapists go to therapy!

Mental health care is for everyone.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve More Than Just “Managing Life”

Yes, Nigerians are strong—but strength is not about suffering in silence.

Saying “_las las, everybody go dey alright_” is not enough. We must:

✅ Normalize seeking therapy and professional help.

✅ Stop masking pain with humor and start addressing real struggles.

✅ Balance faith with practical mental health solutions.

✅ Acknowledge that insecurity, corruption, and hardship affect emotional well-being and take steps to protect our mental health.

At Talk Space Counselling Services, we provide confidential, culturally sensitive therapy sessions to help Nigerians navigate stress, burnout, depression, and relationship struggles.

🔗 Book a confidential therapy session today