Mental Health Education Hub
Understanding Depression
Clear, evidence-based information on depression: how to recognise it, why it happens, how it is treated and where to get help in Nigeria.
What is depression?
Depression is a common, treatable medical condition that affects how you feel, think and cope with daily life. It is more than a bad day or feeling sad after a loss: symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and make it harder to work, study, care for family or enjoy life.
5.7%of adults worldwide live with depression
7MNigerians estimated to live with depression
75%+of people with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment
Sources: World Health Organization, Depressive disorder (depression) fact sheet, 2025; WHO, Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates, 2017 (Nigeria, 3.9% of the population).
Signs and symptoms of depression
- Feeling sad, empty or hopeless most of the day
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Tiredness and low energy
- Eating much less or much more than usual
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
In many African settings depression first shows up in the body: headaches, body aches, a feeling of heat in the head, constant tiredness or poor sleep. These complaints can hide the mood problem underneath. Our free depression test checks all nine core symptoms.
Is it sadness or depression?
| Normal sadness | Depression |
|---|
| How long | Days, comes and goes | Most of the day, nearly every day, 2+ weeks |
| Enjoyment | Still enjoy some things | Lose interest in most things |
| Daily life | Can keep going | Work, home or relationships suffer |
| Self-worth | Mostly intact | Guilt, feeling worthless or a burden |
| Thoughts of death | Rare | May occur: seek help now |
Causes and risk factors
Depression usually comes from a mix of biological, psychological and social factors. It is not a weakness, laziness or a spiritual failing, and it can affect anyone.
- Family history of depression
- Loss, bereavement or relationship breakdown
- Financial pressure, job loss or long-term stress
- Trauma, violence or abuse
- Long-term illness or chronic pain
- Pregnancy and after childbirth
- Alcohol and drug use
- Loneliness and isolation
Depression and chronic illness
Depression is more common in people living with diabetes, hypertension, HIV, cancer, sickle cell disease and other long-term conditions. It also makes those conditions harder to manage: people may skip medicines, miss appointments or stop eating well, and health outcomes suffer.
Treating mood and physical health together works better than treating either alone. HubPharm's multidisciplinary team of pharmacists, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals coordinates care for more than 10,200 chronic patients, and our medication management support has improved adherence by 42%.
Depression treatment that works
- Talking therapies: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy and problem-solving therapy help you change unhelpful thought patterns and cope with stress. They work well for mild to moderate depression and alongside medicine for more severe depression.
- Antidepressant medicines: prescribed by a doctor, usually for moderate to severe depression. They often take 2 to 4 weeks to start helping. Do not stop them suddenly; your pharmacist can explain side effects and how to take them.
- Healthy routines: regular sleep, physical activity, daylight, balanced meals and cutting down on alcohol all support recovery.
- Connection: spending time with people you trust, faith or community groups and peer support reduce isolation.
Most people with depression improve with the right treatment. If one approach does not help, another usually will.
How to support someone with depression
- Listen without judging or rushing to fix
- Encourage professional help and offer to go with them
- Help with practical tasks such as meals or errands
- Keep checking in, even with a short message
- Ask directly if they are thinking of suicide
- Look after your own wellbeing too
Asking about suicide does not put the idea in someone's head; it shows you care and can open the door to help. If someone is in immediate danger, do not leave them alone and call 112.
Getting help for depression in Nigeria
| Service | Contact | For |
|---|
| SURPIN helpline | 0800 078 7746
Toll-free, 24 hours | Suicidal thoughts and emotional crisis |
| Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) | 0809 111 6264 | Mental health support and referrals |
| National emergency line | 112 | Immediate danger |
| HubPharm care team | WhatsApp 0705 050 5001 | Confidential consultations, prescriptions and follow-up |
SURPIN and MANI are independent organisations. Numbers checked November 2026.
Related free health screening tools
Depression often appears alongside anxiety, poor sleep and long-term illness. These free, confidential tools help you see the full picture.
Last updated: November 2026 · HubPharm Africa · For education only, not a substitute for medical advice.