Traditionally, we Nigerians have always seen mental health as something that shouldn’t be discussed openly, and for men, it’s an issue ‘society’ forbids them to even acknowledge because it’s not ‘manly’.

So a lot of people-men and women- continue to live with depression and severe stress because they can’ talk about their feelings

Recently, Allwell Orji, a medical doctor, committed suicide by jumping into the Lagos lagoon from the 3rd Mainland Bridge. There are speculations he may have been depressed.

But when this Twitter user posted about her brother being depressed, people reacted quite differently

The siblings are orphans and her brother was having a terrible birthday because he couldn’t celebrate

https://twitter.com/SubDeliveryMan/status/847539305610227712

But people stepped up in the most amazing way to make his birthday fun

https://twitter.com/SubDeliveryMan/status/847541889813299200

Someone sharply tried to order doughnuts for him

https://twitter.com/SubDeliveryMan/status/847548106245668864

People sent him love, money and so many WhatsApp messages that his phone started to slow down

https://twitter.com/SubDeliveryMan/status/847539305610227712

Is someone cutting onions nearby, because my eyes are tearing up

Who knew a little phone call could do so much?

People were not even playing!

https://twitter.com/treymofo/status/847549599799812096

Sometimes, it’s the little things we do that make a huge difference

If you can cheer someone up today, do it!

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Zikoko amplifies African youth culture by curating and creating smart and joyful content for young Africans and the world.