This was really great! You shared something that many may hide but your sincerity was prevalent. This is a life saver for those who may be dealing with this. Continue your progress brother. Thank you for this.
Much respect to you all. Coming from someone who has seen their mother deal with a mental disorder wasn’t always easy. Makes you appreciate it much more. Thank you
All I can say is wow…..you did a great job sharing your story and you will be surprised the impact that your story and this website will have on Nigerians. This is much needed in our community, God will continue to open doors for you and keep up the good work.
Chinomso, I commend your courage in sharing your story, and owning it in every sense of the word. You made several important points, however being the author of one’s own story, accepting the good and the challenges in one’s life, and finding the the strength to seek help when needed, is truely liberating and empowering. Great job! I am certain your story will inspire many others within and beyond our community, just as it inspired me. Thanks for sharing, I am rooting for you brother.
Chinomso…I’m speechless but more importantly so proud of you!! As you know mental health is a topic that most Africans tend to not acknowledge as a true issue in our communities. I, myself, have seen it so much and often wonder how to best educate and shed more light on this topic: Until now. You have inspired me. You have empowered me. You have opened the doors to not only Nigerians, but to all Africans who seek healing or wish to share their stories as well. You have proven to me that there is hope and there are people out there who are willing to ignore the “stigma” or the idea of others knowing their struggle. I will share this with as many people as possible-Together we will all fight this. Job well done my brother. God Bless You!
Wow, that was very courageous of you to be so open. As a sister of a brother with schizophrenia, I can relate to the closeted nature of the Nigerian community. I appreciate what you are doing, and I am happy for you for making progress in your own journey.
God bless you Chinomso, you are truly breaking grounds! When you confront your fears they really become manageable/small. Thanks for being brave and fearless!
Chinomso, as I listened to your story, I could not help but cry. What a courageous young man. What a trail blazer. You may not realize it, but you have, and will save so many lives. Thank you for being you.
Wow, this is incredible!!! I never understood the severity of mental illness until I came to America. I fell in love with the field of social work because of this. I wanted to learn more and get an understanding of mental illness in its entirety.
Thank you very much Mr. Chinomso for this great platform that allows individuals to tell their story and live above the stigma of being labeled.
Thank you for “talking” and disclosing your struggles.
Thank you for sharing your story. So many of our men are suffering in silence due to the stigma placed on mental illness. We keep saying “I’m Nigerian, I’m a man or I’m a woman”, we forget that we are humans first. We are not immune to the trials and tribulations of life. I am happy that you’ve decided to seek help and I am even happier you are doing well.
Thank you for sharing your story. I can definitely relate a lot to it. I believe the strongest people are those that are willing to be vulnerable inspite of public opinion. I pray more people become more comfortable seeking professional help for their symptoms.
I have always believed that family and community support is what makes the Nigerian culture so strong. We have been able to survive through some traumatic events (historically and individually) by educating ourselves and constantly adapting. That is why your stories matter. That is why we can use our awareness as a tool to develop strong members of our society who also care. Being considerate of the challenges that our neighbors face is what keeps us building. Our people value the legacy we form and pass on and I am grateful to be able to contribute to the mental health and wellness of all Nigerians, young and old. Thank you, TalkNaija team! Thanks to all who courageously share their stories.
You are such a brave young man! Acceptance is the beginning of healing and am so glad you are doing this for yourself! Jisie ike nna a! May God bless you.
My Lord, I am astounded by your courageousness. I understand the stigma of mental health in our Nigerian culture and it saddens me. We have a society that is in denial where a few believe mental illness can’t touch us. Mental health is the same as physical health. That is why both are equally important to keep in good condition. It is imperative to have this significant conversation. I am truly honored to have been able to hear yours, Chinomso. I cried. I have loved ones that have some type of mental health occurrence; however, they aren’t properly treated due to being told that’s not what Nigerians endure. Thankfully, other family members have had proper treatment and have been able to take a handle or overcome. I am grateful you were able to gain the help you were seeking. I only pray that by others hearing your story, they understand there is support and resources out there. Like you mentioned, this doesn’t define you but it sets you apart in the most positive way. Thank you for your advocacy, your strength and knowledge. It is truly inspiring and appreciated!
As someone who spent most of their college years planning suicide and totally unable to envision life past 22, I am most grateful to be alive and see a world in which my Nigerian people, my Igbo people can connect through their pain. Not through their money, not through their degrees, not through partying but through “taboo”. We forget that our journeys are mentally exhausting…that our worlds are filled with stressors that are triggering…that many of us are genetically predisposed…that our moms and uncles and dads and aunts didn’t always seem okay either…that God isn’t a mental health genie…that abuse, rape, trauma can’t magically disappear…and that we need to be fearless and talk about about our f**d-up-ness because that sh** is liberating and revolutionary.
I think about the Nigerian who hears voices, who is paranoid and delusional, whose mood is labile, thoughts are illogical, speech disorganized and pray that someday that person will be enveloped in love and support.
I am immensely proud of you for taking steps towards ending the stigma associated with mental health. Although I am West Indian, and a mental health sufferer since childhood, the ‘denial’ of mental illness in the Caribbean definitely parallels with the Nigerian community; so, this may be eye-opening for many within the diaspora. Thank you for starting the conversation — pushing boundaries, it is brave and selfless. Thank you, Chinomso.
I am soo thankful I watched this video and came to this website. I don’t suffer with a mental health issue but I have recently dealt with someone close to me who does (Nigerian man). And I have had to eventually push that person out of my life basically due to fear bc that person would not seriously seek help. I am not sure if you have posted this video on Facebook (I may have missed it) but I request that you post it there again so that ppl that really need to hear this can hear it. What you are doing is true progression for the African community. Thank you! I pray God blesses you abundantly for this.
Bestest you have no idea the amount of push your story has given me. Your smile lights up the room and I am happy that you are getting the help you need so that your light can reach your eyes and your heart as well. I love you!
Amazing! Thank you , Thank you!. Such an awesome experience Chinomso. Appreciate you sharing your story. This is such a good initiative of ending the stigma and discrmination that comes with of Mental health in Nigeria. We need to educate and encourage fellow nigerians about mental health. Help people feel comfortable about sharing their own experience with mental health. God Bless!
This is such an awesome initiative and platform because unfortunately, far too many people suffer in silence.
By the grace of God, Chinomso, you are a true overcomer and I’m proud of you!
I’m looking forward to being a witness to how the Lord uses you and your team to reach and encourage so many, as you all work to help break the silence and the stigma!
God Bless and you already know, you have our full support.
This was really great! You shared something that many may hide but your sincerity was prevalent. This is a life saver for those who may be dealing with this. Continue your progress brother. Thank you for this.
Speechless…. very much needed in our community.
Much respect to you all. Coming from someone who has seen their mother deal with a mental disorder wasn’t always easy. Makes you appreciate it much more. Thank you
All I can say is wow…..you did a great job sharing your story and you will be surprised the impact that your story and this website will have on Nigerians. This is much needed in our community, God will continue to open doors for you and keep up the good work.
Oh whoa Chinomso. Definitely didn’t see this coming. But def better out than hidden inside.
Good job dear.
Still got nothing but love for you and wish to support you as much as I can.
Well said. This is all very important stuff. Well done.
Chinomso, I commend your courage in sharing your story, and owning it in every sense of the word. You made several important points, however being the author of one’s own story, accepting the good and the challenges in one’s life, and finding the the strength to seek help when needed, is truely liberating and empowering. Great job! I am certain your story will inspire many others within and beyond our community, just as it inspired me. Thanks for sharing, I am rooting for you brother.
Such an insightful and inspiring story. We appreciate your courage.
Chinomso…I’m speechless but more importantly so proud of you!! As you know mental health is a topic that most Africans tend to not acknowledge as a true issue in our communities. I, myself, have seen it so much and often wonder how to best educate and shed more light on this topic: Until now. You have inspired me. You have empowered me. You have opened the doors to not only Nigerians, but to all Africans who seek healing or wish to share their stories as well. You have proven to me that there is hope and there are people out there who are willing to ignore the “stigma” or the idea of others knowing their struggle. I will share this with as many people as possible-Together we will all fight this. Job well done my brother. God Bless You!
Thanks for sharing your story Chinomso. I am truly moved by your transparency!
Wow, that was very courageous of you to be so open. As a sister of a brother with schizophrenia, I can relate to the closeted nature of the Nigerian community. I appreciate what you are doing, and I am happy for you for making progress in your own journey.
God bless you Chinomso, you are truly breaking grounds! When you confront your fears they really become manageable/small. Thanks for being brave and fearless!
Chinomso, as I listened to your story, I could not help but cry. What a courageous young man. What a trail blazer. You may not realize it, but you have, and will save so many lives. Thank you for being you.
Wow, this is incredible!!! I never understood the severity of mental illness until I came to America. I fell in love with the field of social work because of this. I wanted to learn more and get an understanding of mental illness in its entirety.
Thank you very much Mr. Chinomso for this great platform that allows individuals to tell their story and live above the stigma of being labeled.
Thank you for “talking” and disclosing your struggles.
Thank you for sharing your story. So many of our men are suffering in silence due to the stigma placed on mental illness. We keep saying “I’m Nigerian, I’m a man or I’m a woman”, we forget that we are humans first. We are not immune to the trials and tribulations of life. I am happy that you’ve decided to seek help and I am even happier you are doing well.
Thank you for sharing your story. I can definitely relate a lot to it. I believe the strongest people are those that are willing to be vulnerable inspite of public opinion. I pray more people become more comfortable seeking professional help for their symptoms.
I have always believed that family and community support is what makes the Nigerian culture so strong. We have been able to survive through some traumatic events (historically and individually) by educating ourselves and constantly adapting. That is why your stories matter. That is why we can use our awareness as a tool to develop strong members of our society who also care. Being considerate of the challenges that our neighbors face is what keeps us building. Our people value the legacy we form and pass on and I am grateful to be able to contribute to the mental health and wellness of all Nigerians, young and old. Thank you, TalkNaija team! Thanks to all who courageously share their stories.
You are such a brave young man! Acceptance is the beginning of healing and am so glad you are doing this for yourself! Jisie ike nna a! May God bless you.
Wonderful job sharing your story with. It takes a strong person to share their story.
My Lord, I am astounded by your courageousness. I understand the stigma of mental health in our Nigerian culture and it saddens me. We have a society that is in denial where a few believe mental illness can’t touch us. Mental health is the same as physical health. That is why both are equally important to keep in good condition. It is imperative to have this significant conversation. I am truly honored to have been able to hear yours, Chinomso. I cried. I have loved ones that have some type of mental health occurrence; however, they aren’t properly treated due to being told that’s not what Nigerians endure. Thankfully, other family members have had proper treatment and have been able to take a handle or overcome. I am grateful you were able to gain the help you were seeking. I only pray that by others hearing your story, they understand there is support and resources out there. Like you mentioned, this doesn’t define you but it sets you apart in the most positive way. Thank you for your advocacy, your strength and knowledge. It is truly inspiring and appreciated!
As someone who spent most of their college years planning suicide and totally unable to envision life past 22, I am most grateful to be alive and see a world in which my Nigerian people, my Igbo people can connect through their pain. Not through their money, not through their degrees, not through partying but through “taboo”. We forget that our journeys are mentally exhausting…that our worlds are filled with stressors that are triggering…that many of us are genetically predisposed…that our moms and uncles and dads and aunts didn’t always seem okay either…that God isn’t a mental health genie…that abuse, rape, trauma can’t magically disappear…and that we need to be fearless and talk about about our f**d-up-ness because that sh** is liberating and revolutionary.
I think about the Nigerian who hears voices, who is paranoid and delusional, whose mood is labile, thoughts are illogical, speech disorganized and pray that someday that person will be enveloped in love and support.
I am immensely proud of you for taking steps towards ending the stigma associated with mental health. Although I am West Indian, and a mental health sufferer since childhood, the ‘denial’ of mental illness in the Caribbean definitely parallels with the Nigerian community; so, this may be eye-opening for many within the diaspora. Thank you for starting the conversation — pushing boundaries, it is brave and selfless. Thank you, Chinomso.
Yay that was so powerful Chinomso!!!!
I am soo thankful I watched this video and came to this website. I don’t suffer with a mental health issue but I have recently dealt with someone close to me who does (Nigerian man). And I have had to eventually push that person out of my life basically due to fear bc that person would not seriously seek help. I am not sure if you have posted this video on Facebook (I may have missed it) but I request that you post it there again so that ppl that really need to hear this can hear it. What you are doing is true progression for the African community. Thank you! I pray God blesses you abundantly for this.
thank you for your courage
Bestest you have no idea the amount of push your story has given me. Your smile lights up the room and I am happy that you are getting the help you need so that your light can reach your eyes and your heart as well. I love you!
Amazing! Thank you , Thank you!. Such an awesome experience Chinomso. Appreciate you sharing your story. This is such a good initiative of ending the stigma and discrmination that comes with of Mental health in Nigeria. We need to educate and encourage fellow nigerians about mental health. Help people feel comfortable about sharing their own experience with mental health. God Bless!
This is such an awesome initiative and platform because unfortunately, far too many people suffer in silence.
By the grace of God, Chinomso, you are a true overcomer and I’m proud of you!
I’m looking forward to being a witness to how the Lord uses you and your team to reach and encourage so many, as you all work to help break the silence and the stigma!
God Bless and you already know, you have our full support.
Great message