Many people feel they must always appear fine, no matter what they are going through. We smile when we are hurting. We say we are okay even when our hearts are heavy. We hide our struggles because we do not want to be seen as weak or as a burden to others.

In Nigeria, this pressure can be even stronger. The high cost of living, unstable power supply, poor job opportunities, and daily uncertainty can make life overwhelming. Many are dealing with financial stress, family responsibilities, and the constant need to adapt. Even when you want to slow down, the reality of our economy can push you to keep going, pretending you are fine just to survive.

This is why so many people wear a mask. Society tells us to “be strong” at all times. Family members may expect us to be the ones holding everything together. And we often put pressure on ourselves because we fear being judged for struggling.
Pretending to be okay all the time can be exhausting. It can stop us from getting the help we need. It can make us feel alone, even when we are surrounded by people. Over time, it can harm our mental health and make our problems even harder to handle.

It is important to remember that it is normal to have hard days. Life has ups and downs. Feeling sad, tired, or confused does not make you weak. It makes you human. Being open about your struggles can help you heal and can also encourage others to share what they are going through.
You do not have to share everything with everyone, but you can choose safe people you trust. You can tell them when you are not okay and let them be there for you. Allowing yourself to be honest is not a sign of failure. It is a step towards feeling better.

If you often feel pressure to always be okay, here are some things that can help:

1. Remind yourself that it is okay to have bad days.
2. Talk to someone you trust when you feel overwhelmed.
3. Give yourself permission to rest when you need it.

4. Practise saying how you really feel, even in small ways.
5. Let go of the idea that you must please everyone.
6. Focus on what helps you feel calm and supported.
7. Seek professional help if your feelings become too heavy to carry alone.

You are allowed to be honest about your pain and your struggles. You are not weak for feeling the way you do. You are human, and it is okay not to be okay all the time, even in a country where life’s pressures can make pretending feel easier.