The Japa community in the UK have taken to Twitter to express how crying has become a common occurrence for adult Nigerians in the country. An Instagram blog shared a post in which at least four Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom revealed how crying has become a regular part of their lives. They disclosed that many Nigerians back home assume that life in the UK is better and easier, but that this is not always the case. One of them spoke about how he has had to cry himself to sleep on several occasions, only to pick himself up and continue the next day. He also recounted the time he caught a lady crying in her sleep. Another person revealed that a friend who came to the UK in January had already decided to return to Nigeria to face his business, as he could no longer cope. The tweets posted on the subject were deeply emotional, with one stating: "Na for UK I understand wetin depression mean. Cried myself to sleep many times and woke up to try and go again. Bro. Life hard. I thought mine was hard, not until I saw a girl crying in her sleep. You don’t have to believe me. But she wasn’t awake but she was shedding tears." The other tweet read: "A friend who came in this January said he is going back home to face his business, He can’t cope again. Crying is now normal for all adults in the UK."
The posts reveal that the challenges faced by Nigerians in the UK are not always what they expected, and this can lead to emotional distress. While some may believe that life in the UK is easier, the reality is that there are many challenges and obstacles to overcome. These challenges may include financial difficulties, discrimination, cultural differences, and homesickness, among others. The pressure to succeed and achieve one's goals can also be overwhelming, particularly for those who left Nigeria to seek a better life. It is clear that many Nigerians in the UK are struggling, and this should not be ignored.
The issue of mental health is a significant concern in the Nigerian community, both in Nigeria and abroad. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of mental health issues and the need for support and treatment. However, there is still a stigma attached to mental health problems, and many people may not seek help due to fear of being stigmatized or discriminated against. It is important to create a safe and supportive environment where people can feel comfortable discussing their mental health issues and seeking help when necessary.
