In our culture, when someone feels down or weighed by life, the common advice is often to “snap out of it” or “be strong.” Our resilience is one of our greatest strengths, but when living abroad, especially in Finland, many Nigerians quickly discover that depression and anxiety are not things you can simply will away.
Life in Finland can be beautiful; peaceful, safe, and clean. Yet, beneath the surface, the challenges can weigh heavily on anyone:
- The weather: long winters, darkness, and cold can affect mood and energy levels.
- Cultural differences: adapting to a society where social interactions and norms are very different from back home.
- Language barriers: struggling to communicate in Finnish or Swedish can create feelings of isolation.
- Discrimination and racism: painful realities that many immigrants encounter.
- Loneliness: being far from family and community support systems.
- Pressure of survival: juggling studies, work, bills, and responsibilities in an unfamiliar environment.
These experiences are real, and they can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or even hopelessness. What’s important to understand is this: depression is not weakness, and struggling with mental health does not mean you have failed. It means you are human.
You Are Not Alone
Many Nigerians in Finland silently face the same battles. You may look around and feel like everyone else is thriving, but behind closed doors, many are also learning how to cope, how to adapt, and how to survive in a new country.
Finding Strength in Community
Even in the toughest times, our culture reminds us of the power of community. We are stronger when we share our burdens. Reach out to fellow Nigerians, friends, or community associations when loneliness weighs heavy. Sometimes, just a conversation can ease the load.
Taking Care of Yourself
- Acknowledge your feelings: It’s okay to admit when you’re not okay.
- Stay active: Even a short walk can help lift your mood during dark months.
- Build routines: Structure brings stability when everything else feels uncertain.
- Seek help: Finland offers counseling and support services. Reaching out is a sign of courage, not weakness.
Remember This
As Nigerians, we carry strength, resilience, and hope in our DNA. But resilience does not mean suppressing pain, it means facing it with courage, and seeking the tools and support to heal.
To anyone reading this who feels overwhelmed: you are not alone, and your struggles are valid. With time, support, and self-care, it is possible to find balance, joy, and peace, even far away from home.
Practical Resources You Can Access in Finland
| Service | What They Offer | Where to Start |
|---|---|---|
| Mieli Crisis Helpline | Free, anonymous crisis support in English, Arabic, Swedish, Ukrainian, Russian (also Finnish 24/7) | +358 9 2525 0116 (English) Psychological Practitioners FinlandMaahanmuuttovirastoReddit |
| Mieli Crisis Centre (Helsinki) | Short-term crisis counselling with interpretation available | Maistraatinportti 4A, Helsinki, call +358 9 4135 0510 MIELI ry |
| Public Mental Health Services (Helsinki) | Low-threshold services like Digimieli (self-care for anxiety, depression), Mieppi (talk-based support), and Therapy Navigator for referrals | Contact your local health station Helsingin kaupunki |
| Social Counselling (Helsinki) | Talk through your life circumstances and receive guidance—available by phone or anonymously via chatbot (Hester) | Call +358 9 310 44400 Helsingin kaupunki |
| Immigrant Support Services (for undocumented or asylum seekers) | Integration support, legal advice, essential social and mental health services | Kalasatama Health and Well-being Centre, Työpajankatu 14 A, Hotline: +358 9 310 23747 Helsingin kaupunki+1 |
| PALOMA (Refugee Mental Health Expertise) | A network supported by THL offering resources, training videos, and guidance on mental health for migrants | THL |
| Caritas Finland | Social support, friendship cafés, housing & employment guidance—promotes social connection and reduces isolation | Wikipedia |
| Peer Support (Under 30s) | Youth-focused support via Yeesi (peer groups) and HelsinkiMissio’s Youth Crisis Point offering free English counselling | Psychological Practitioners Finland |
Join Our Program
“Breaking the silence around mental health. Supporting Nigerians in Finland with knowledge, care, and community strength.”
Join us in building resilience, reducing stigma, and supporting one another.
About the Program
The Mental Health Community Awareness Program is created for the Nigerian community in Finland. It opens conversations about mental health, reduces stigma, and provides tools for emotional resilience. Many Nigerians face challenges such as stress, isolation, and cultural adjustment—this program is here to help individuals and families grow stronger together.
Our Aim
- Raise awareness and understanding of mental health.
- Break the silence and reduce stigma in our community.
- Promote resilience, self-care, and wellness.
- Connect people with professional support in Finland.
Our Objectives
- Organize community seminars and workshops for parents, youth, and leaders.
- Create safe spaces for storytelling, testimonies, and open dialogue.
- Introduce wellness practices like exercise, dance, and relaxation.
- Share multilingual resources (English, Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Edo).
- Build partnerships with Nigerian associations, churches, and Finnish mental health services.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and interact with others. For Nigerians in Finland, cultural differences, work stress, and family expectations can impact well-being. By talking openly, we break stigma and encourage healing.
How Can I Join?
- Attend our seminars and workshops.
- Join storytelling and wellness activities.
- Stay connected via Nigerian associations, religious groups, and social media.
Gentle Reminders
Many of these services are free, anonymous, and available in English.
It takes courage to face what you’re feeling—and even more courage to ask for help. That is strength, not weakness.
If you are studying, remember your school or national health services often include student counselling (affordable and accessible).
Building small routines—daily walks, connecting with someone, joining a local or cultural community group—makes a real difference.
