Get help
You've already done the hard part by looking.
Here is what to do next, whether you're in crisis right now or just know something isn't right.
If you need someone now
Helpline details change. If a number doesn't connect, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Not an emergency, but not okay
Four steps, at your pace.
Tell us what's going on
Use the contact form or email us. Say as much or as little as you like. There's no wrong way to start.
Have a conversation
A volunteer will get back to you, listen, and talk through what kinds of support might fit you right now.
Join a peer circle
If it's right for you, we'll place you in a circle, in person where available or online from anywhere.
Get professional care if needed
We'll help you find affordable therapists or psychiatric services, and stay with you while you do.
Self-help, any time
Try Bee, our CBT companion
A guided walk through tools from cognitive behavioural therapy: challenging a thought, grounding, box breathing, the worry tree and small steps for low days. Bee is not a person and not therapy, and nothing you type is stored, but it's there at 3am when nobody else is.
Recognising the signs
Things that are worth talking about
None of these mean something is "wrong with you". They mean you're human and carrying more than you should have to on your own.
- Feeling low, empty or hopeless most days for more than two weeks
- Constant worry, racing thoughts or panic that won't switch off
- Sleeping much more or much less than usual
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Withdrawing from friends, family or faith community
- Struggling to concentrate at work or school
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or that others would be better off without you
Worried about someone else?
How to help a friend or family member
You don't need to be an expert. You need to be present.
- Ask directly and gently. "You haven't seemed yourself lately. How are you, really?"
- Listen more than you advise. Resist the urge to fix, correct or quote scripture at them. Let them finish.
- Take talk of suicide seriously. Asking about it does not plant the idea. If they are in danger, stay with them and call 112.
- Offer to help them reach support. Sit with them while they send the first email. Go with them to the first appointment.
- Look after yourself too. Supporting someone is heavy. You can talk to us as well.
Want to be better prepared?
Our schools, workplace and faith-leader programmes teach whole communities how to respond well.
Explore programmesQuestions people ask us.
The things we are asked most often about getting mental health support in Nigeria.
Where can I get free mental health help in Nigeria?
You can call 112 in an emergency, or reach a trained listener on the MANI line (0809 111 6264) or the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Initiative (0806 210 6493). Be Empowered Network runs free peer support circles online and in person, and our mental health directory lists public psychiatric hospitals, helplines and NGOs across the country.
Is Be Empowered Network's support free?
Yes. Our peer support circles are free to attend, and there is no fee to speak to a volunteer or to use the directory. We are a registered non-profit (CAC/IT/NO 140796) funded by donations, so nobody is turned away over money.
Do I need a diagnosis to join a peer support circle?
No. You do not need a diagnosis, a referral or a therapist. Circles are open to any adult who wants to talk or simply listen. You are welcome to join and say nothing at all.
What is the difference between a peer support circle and therapy?
A circle is a confidential group of people with lived experience, facilitated by trained volunteers. It is not therapy and our volunteers are not clinicians. Therapy is one-to-one treatment from a licensed professional. The two work well together, and we will help you find professional care when that is what you need.
Can I get support if I do not live in Lagos?
Yes. Our circles run online, so you can join from anywhere in Nigeria or abroad. The directory covers services in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Enugu, Edo, Kaduna, Borno, Cross River, Sokoto and nationwide helplines.
Is what I say confidential?
What is shared in a circle stays in the circle, and our facilitators are trained on confidentiality and boundaries. The one limit is safety: if someone is at immediate risk of harm, we will help them reach emergency support.
How do I help someone who is suicidal in Nigeria?
Stay with them, take what they say seriously, and do not leave them alone with the means to harm themselves. Call 112 if there is immediate danger, or ring MANI on 0809 111 6264 or NSPI on 0806 210 6493 to talk to a trained person. Ask directly and calmly — asking about suicide does not plant the idea.
How can I find a therapist or psychiatrist in Nigeria?
Our directory lists federal neuropsychiatric hospitals and teaching-hospital psychiatry departments, which are usually the most affordable route to a psychiatrist, alongside NGOs and online therapy services. You can also message us and a volunteer will help you work out what is realistic where you live and on your budget.