Biodun Busari writes about the heartbreaking emotional struggles some Nigerians face in the diaspora after leaving the comforts of home in pursuit of a brighter future, only to become trapped in a cycle of frustration and regret. Confronted with the harsh reality that the greener pastures they sought may have been nothing more than an illusion, they slide into the abyss of depression

When Bimpe Adegun waved goodbye to Nigeria in May 2023, she couldn’t have imagined that the greener pastures she sought in the United Kingdom would prove to be nothing more than a mirage.

Her dreams of affluence and happiness, visions of a better life, had once danced vividly in her mind, but they remained distant, never materialising into the reality she hoped for.

She had only enjoyed a brief time with her husband, just over a year, before they had to leave Nigeria in search of better opportunities.

The decision for her husband to migrate the year after their wedding came at a great price for her.

“I got married in Lagos in 2021,” her voice heavy with sorrow and regret, as she reflected on the decision that would later define her journey.

“Life in Nigeria wasn’t exactly great, but it wasn’t terrible either, just somewhere in between.”

In December 2022, Adegun’s husband moved to the UK. They sold off their household belongings to cover the costs of visa fees, flights, and other travel expenses, a familiar sacrifice made by many Nigerians pursuing opportunities abroad.

“I joined him in May 2023,” she said, still clinging to the hope that life in the UK would be better.

But months passed, and the reality of living in the UK without a job gradually eroded her dreams, replacing them with anxiety and despair.

Her once bright hopes for a better future were reduced to mere wishes.

The anxiety built up and gnawed at her, wearing her down physically and mentally.

Adegun would grit her teeth against the biting cold, endlessly searching for work, but to no avail.

In her desperation, she knocked on countless doors, visited libraries, schools, pharmacies, and stores to drop applications, but every opportunity seemed either scarce or non-existent.

The crushing weight of unfulfilled dreams left her feeling hopeless and on the verge of collapse.

It was in these dark moments that she cursed the decision to leave her stable 9-to-5 job in Lagos for a future that seemed so elusive in London.

“For almost five months, I couldn’t find a job,” Adegun recalled. “Eventually, I found one at a restaurant in London. The title sounded nice—Kitchen Porter—but in reality, it meant washing plates and working long shifts of up to eight hours.

“This was my first time doing such tough work, and I would come home utterly exhausted. Even though I was with my husband, I felt trapped in a life I didn’t recognise. It was a drastic shift in lifestyle, and I couldn’t escape the feeling of depression.”

Adegun’s work, coupled with the harsh environment, took a toll on her physical health, draining her mentally.

The frustration, exhaustion, and deep regret weighed heavily daily, leaving her psyche in ruins as she struggled to keep up with the demands of a life she never thought she would lead.

“The first challenge was the weather. It was supposed to be summer when I arrived, but it felt more like a mini winter. It was unbearably cold, and I was constantly in a bad mood. I lost my appetite and nearly collapsed from exhaustion while washing plates,” she said gloomily.

While reflecting on her life after moving to the UK, she admitted that although things had slightly improved and she was gradually emerging from depression with minimal support, she could not deny regretting her decision to leave a white-collar job in Nigeria for an odd job in England.

Her only consolation was that the country she had left behind was not faring much better either.

“Later, I found another job, but life was still tough. There were moments when I questioned why I had relocated. However, things in Nigeria were also getting worse, the exchange rate was skyrocketing, and many Nigerians back home told me I should be grateful I left when I did,” Adegun added.

Her story is just one among hundreds, if not thousands, of cases in which Nigerians have faced the harsh realities of unemployment and rising housing costs abroad, especially in the UK and Canada.

These difficulties have led many into depression, anxiety, and regret following their relocation in search of better opportunities.

Checks by Saturday PUNCH have revealed that some Nigerian immigrants in diaspora are experiencing hunger and hardship due to the economic realities confronting them.

Many depend on food banks to survive. In their struggle to make ends meet, some have resorted to street begging, sleeping in cemeteries, or on the streets, while others battle mental health issues.

Two among many

Nigerians at home were shocked when images of their frustrated and depressed Canada-based compatriots flooded the internet in January and February 2025.

This was soon followed by videos of some openly sharing their struggles.

Among these frustrated Nigerians were Simi and Peter, who took to social media to voice their frustrations as immigrants in Canada.

In a viral video, the duo lamented that their dreams of greener pastures had been shattered after difficult circumstances forced them to confront severe accommodation problems.

Looking haggard, Simi shared her story, explaining that she had moved to Canada with excitement to continue her studies. But soon after arriving, she was hit with the setbacks of a failed business and skyrocketing rent that left her in financial ruin.

“When I came to Canada, I was going to school in Hamilton, so it was pretty good. I was in boarding school, and everything seemed fine,” she said.

“It’s a long story, but mainly, I invested in a business idea that failed. I had been running a fashion business and a small college nearby.”

“There’s a big issue with housing. It’s not just about detox or therapy or mental health care. It’s mostly the housing situation that’s causing problems,” Simi added.

According to her, anxiety soon took over, affecting her work life as well. She had been trying to balance her emotions and manage her job while grappling with the pressure of finance and her living situation.

“I struggle with anxiety. Working a 9-to-5 job is difficult, and I’m constantly trying to figure out how to balance my life,” she said.

Peter, sharing his bitter experience, explained that he went to Canada as a student in December 2023, with his father as his financial sponsor.

But just as his studies were progressing, his father suffered a stroke, and the support he had relied on vanished.

The rush for UK and Canada

The UK and Canada have become top destinations for Nigerians seeking better opportunities through academic programmes, job offers, and access to quality healthcare.

According to Visa Guide News, the UK approved nearly 430,000 visas for Nigerian citizens in 2024, many of whom sought to study and relocate.

However, this surge in immigration came with new challenges, including a dependent visa ban, which prevented international students from bringing their families with them, as part of efforts to manage the influx of immigrants.

Similarly, Canada granted permanent residency to 12,280 Nigerians in 2024, making Nigeria the fourth-highest contributor to the number of foreign nationals in Canada.

Despite these opportunities, both the UK and Canada have limitations that negatively impact immigrants, including Nigerians.

Accommodation and unemployment are among the most pressing issues facing these newcomers, undermining the very reasons they left Nigeria in the first place.

In 2023, reports from Canada highlighted how immigrants and refugees in Quebec were forced to sleep in cemeteries and on the streets due to skyrocketing housing costs.

Additionally, earlier this year, many Nigerians facing unemployment in the UK took up prison jobs as part of a scheme initiated by the prison service to address staffing shortages.

However, these positions did not come with housing, and as a result, some Nigerian nationals were left with no choice but to sleep in their cars or camp out near the streets.

The harsh realities of accommodation, employment, and even academic routes abroad have led to depression and regret for some Nigerians in the diaspora, as they grapple with unmet expectations.

Babysitting with a first-class certificate

Much like Adegun’s frustrations, Hakeem, a first-class graduate from a reputable Nigerian university, moved to the UK with hopes of a life-changing future.

Instead, he found himself working as a babysitter, a reality that made him question his decision to relocate.

Hakeem had dreamed of securing a white-collar job in the UK with his prestigious first-class degree.

However, his plans were shattered when he arrived and found himself unemployed, becoming a victim of circumstances beyond his control.

In a trembling voice, he shared, “I graduated with a first-class degree in Chemistry from a well-known Nigerian university and moved to the UK after my NYSC. I secured a sponsorship job, but when I arrived, my employer had no shifts available, leaving me jobless.”

Hakeem’s struggle was compounded by the fact that even having a relative in the UK did not guarantee a better situation.

He revealed that his sister, with whom he was staying, became hostile because he couldn’t land a suitable job.

“She wasn’t friendly towards me. To avoid being idle, I took up childminding jobs for immigrant parents who paid me less than the minimum wage. I couldn’t leave my employer because my visa was tied to them,” he lamented.

The young Nigerian shared that the saddest part of his story was the inability to be truthful with his family and friends back home about his predicament.

He felt pressured to maintain the illusion of success, even as he faced a starkly different reality in the UK.

“I became depressed. It was heartbreaking to think that after graduating with a first-class degree, I was now doing odd jobs. My situation hasn’t improved much, but I am doing my best to apply for PhD programmes in the US.

“The truth is, life here can be really depressing. You come with high expectations, only to face harsh realities. People back home assume you’re doing well. But even while living with family, I had to leave my sister’s place for a while. Imagine how tough it must be for those without family or social support,” Hakeem said dejectedly.

Going back not an option

In the United States, Sam Adams, another Nigerian immigrant, revealed to our correspondent that mounting bills had pushed many Nigerians abroad into depression and regret.

Yet, returning to Nigeria was not an option, as the shame of returning empty-handed weighed heavily.

Adams recounted his own struggles, saying that after enduring difficult conditions in the UK, he worked hard to move to the US.

He explained that accommodation expenses are typically paid monthly in Europe and North America, a practice that many immigrants, including Nigerians, find unfamiliar and burdensome, contributing to frustration and stress.

“The situation is not unique to Nigerians. Many immigrants who come to the UK experience culture shock and struggle with the economic realities of Europe. One major challenge is that rent payments are due monthly, on the first day of each month,” Adams said.

“This is quite different from Nigeria, where rent is often paid annually, providing some financial relief. Additionally, utility bills such as electricity and phone bills are high. If you don’t have a job, the risk of homelessness is real, and the struggle can be overwhelming.”

Adams pointed out that many Nigerians, like himself, cannot go back home due to the shame of failure. Instead, they live in a “fake world,” maintaining the illusion of success because people back home assume they are doing well.

He added, “As long as their struggles remain hidden, they feel they must keep up the appearance. Many eventually adjust to their new reality and find stability, but almost everyone goes through a period of hardship that leaves them on the edge of regret. If not for the guaranteed basic amenities, though expensive, Nigeria might seem like a better option.”

Adams highlighted some of the major factors contributing to depression among Nigerian immigrants, including a lack of understanding of the new economy, unemployment, and the high cost of living.

“The biggest causes of this depression are a lack of understanding of the new economy, unemployment, and the high cost of living. People must work constantly just to survive, leaving little or no savings,” he said.

“Another major factor fueling stress and regret is the lack of communal living. Everyone is either working a shift or looking for one. The word ‘shift’ becomes their main focus, leaving no time to socialise, unwind, or build meaningful connections,” Adams noted.

Depression triggers

It’s not just unemployment and housing problems that are contributing to depression and regret among Nigerians in the diaspora.

An article published by Nigerian doctors in the UK on May 21, 2023, pointed out that health-related issues are a significant challenge impacting Nigerians and other immigrants.

According to the article, Nigerians represent one of the largest migrant groups in the UK and are more susceptible to anxiety and depression than other Black groups.

“Migrant health is an important public health concern globally, and it is vital to understand the common health issues that affect migrants to provide appropriate healthcare services,” the article noted.

The investigation found that Nigerian nationals in the UK were particularly vulnerable to depression and anxiety, with contributing factors including the stress of migration, racism, and discrimination.

In addition, health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and infectious diseases were found to be prevalent among Nigerians in the UK.

The Nigerian doctors also noted that cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death worldwide, and Nigerians living in the UK were no exception.

They reported that immigrants of African and Caribbean descent, including Nigerians, are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, a major risk factor for CVD.

“The prevalence of high blood pressure among Nigerians in the UK is also higher than the general population,” the study revealed.

Diabetes is another health challenge faced by Nigerians living in the UK.

The UK National Diabetes Audit revealed that people of Black African and Caribbean descent, including Nigerians, are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

These health challenges, combined with the economic and social difficulties faced by many Nigerian immigrants, are contributing to the rising levels of depression and regret in the Diaspora.

Another study by Public Health England stated that Nigerians are among the groups most affected by tuberculosis in the UK.

It further highlighted that Nigerians had the second-highest rate of TB, following individuals born in other sub-Saharan African countries.

Experiences vs expectations

Speaking about depression, a United States-based Behavioural Health Specialist, Dr Oyinkansola Alabi, explained that some Nigerians fall into depression when their experiences fail to meet their expectations.

She noted that technically, the situation could be described as the diaspora’s “what I ordered versus what I got.”

Alabi, the founder of Emotions City, Africa’s premier emotional intelligence training academy, explained that depression is a prolonged state of unhappiness resulting from dashed hopes, deferred dreams, and unfulfilled expectations.

“Unhappiness arises when your life’s condition does not align with your blueprint. What does that mean? It means that when your expectations do not align with your experiences,” she explained.

The behavioural health expert emphasised that the opposite of depression is happiness and excitement, which follows when prayers are answered.

“When your prayers are answered, it is when your life’s conditions and blueprints align. When your expectations align with your experiences, you call it a testimony. It means I prayed about it, wanted something in a particular way, and it happened for me as I desired. That’s a testimony,” she said.

In her analysis of what Nigerians and other immigrants experience in the US, particularly in relation to depression, Alabi noted, “In this immigration environment, people are unhappy because what they expect is not what they’re experiencing.”

The expert highlighted that depression is triggered when people face challenges with jobs, accommodation, and bills, which are factors that reduce their lofty expectations of moving abroad.

“Sometimes, people think the grass is greener abroad. When you get here, you see the true colour of the grass. People also assume that once they arrive, there will be a job waiting for them,” the Nigerian psychologist said.

“They believe families and friends will rally around them. They don’t realise that people have bills to pay every 30 days. You have major bills to cover—your rent, your car, insurance, life and car insurance, and your daily feeding allowance.”

Alabi went on, “Then there are the Wi-Fi, mobile phones, water, electricity—everything combined. People have just 30 days to cough up thousands of dollars each month. This depends on the size of your family and how many children you have.”

She stressed that when people arrive abroad, they realise that the experience is not as expected.

“Abroad is not what they think it is. Expectations are often higher. Of course, it is better in many ways. It’s a first-world country—there’s electricity, you can predict your expected time of arrival, and so on. But all these things cost money. People are usually unprepared for that level of financial surprise.

“Beyond the challenges of jobs, accommodation, and managing bills, problems also arise in personal and family life, which can further disrupt peace of mind and lead to depression,” Alabi noted.

“You then learn social intelligence and adapt to a new culture. You cannot be superior to your spouse abroad; if you try, you might end up divorced. The concept of marriage is different here.”

“Everybody is equal abroad. Marriage is a partnership, not a master-servant relationship. If you bring the master-slave mentality into a partnership-driven culture, you’re bound to end up single. Your spouse will eventually force you out of the house, and nobody will care.

“In the end, nobody cares what car you drive. Just do your job and move on with your life. Everyone contributes to the table. You’ll have to do your housework, cook for your children, and for yourself. There’s no ‘I’m better than you’ mentality here,” she added.

The humble pill antidote

Despite the challenges, Nigerians living abroad can overcome depression, frustration, and feelings of failure if they stay focused and reinvent themselves, said the emotional intelligence expert.

Reflecting on her own experience when she first moved to the US, Alabi revealed that she had to hide her affluent lifestyle to start afresh with struggles.

She believes that living a modest life and watching it grow is the antidote to depression in the Diaspora.

“You have to start from where you have to start from. I was living in a five-bedroom duplex in Ikoyi with all-en-suite rooms. I had a pool and a gym, and I was living large. My life was a prayer point. When I arrived in the US, I didn’t start by buying a house, even though I had the money. I didn’t begin with a ‘big girl’ or ‘I’ve arrived’ mentality. I started from a one-bedroom apartment,” she recalled.

“I had everything I needed in a comfortable luxury apartment. From there, I bought a car in cash. It cost $10,000, and I paid for it. I didn’t start by buying a Range Rover or a G-Wagon to show that the ‘Emotions Doctor’ had arrived. I began at a comfortable level, without overspending,” she said.

Alabi advised, “So when you get abroad, do whatever is humble for you, do what provides for your needs, and sorts out your bills. Focus on the reason you came here. Take your eyes off what your peers are doing and who you think you are. Focus on why you’re here—whether it’s for papers, education, or any other reason. Just focus on that.”

The mental health expert emphasised the importance of time, relationships, culture, and environment in helping Nigerian immigrants overcome depression and other challenges.

She affirmed, “Give yourself time, between five to ten years. Take it easy on yourself. It’s a new environment. Learn the culture. Be intentional about building friendships, not social climbing. Sometimes, people want to get close to you for what they can gain. If you bring that behaviour here, nobody will have time for you. So, if you’re looking to use people, abroad is not the place.

“Everybody has to come to the table with something. Be intentional about building relationships. Don’t be manipulative by trying to be an opportunist or acting smart. Do what you can, invest in friendships, and be open to other cultures, religions, and sexualities. Nigerians can sometimes be funny. When I mention other sexualities, you don’t need to agree with them based on whatever they’re doing.”

Alabi further advised, “So, if you’re abroad and you’re unhappy, try as much as possible to overcome it. If you have access to mental health resources, make use of them. Whatever worship centre you go to, they may have access to mental health support too; utilise that. Also, try to build networks with good people, even if they’re from other cultures. While building your network, ensure you’re not using people.

“No matter what relationship or friendship you’re in, make sure you give value. Ensure that, in one way or another, they don’t see you as a burden. You are there to offer something too. You may offer your time, acts of service, or simply show up for them and ensure you’re adding value. You need a community abroad to survive. If you’re going to genuinely overcome depression or unhappiness abroad, you have to do that within a community.”

Marriage headaches

Marital issues, especially from a legal perspective, have contributed significantly to depression, said a US-based Nigerian immigration attorney and Lead Partner at RT Law Services, Temitayo Tijani.

He explained that lawyers often deal with numerous divorce cases involving Nigerian immigrants, which have driven many into depression and regret.

Tijani noted that some marriage partners manipulate the economic empowerment and benefits tied to their marital vows to torment their spouses, causing significant mental strain.

He said, “As lawyers, we deal with a lot of family-related issues, particularly divorce. And I can tell you that much of this arises from social circumstances. As couples become more economically empowered and socially inclined, their relationships often take a dive.

“One of the most common legal proceedings in American courts is divorce. We, as immigrants, know and feel empowered by this knowledge. Whether rightly or wrongly, we tend to take full advantage of it.

“I’m not sure there’s much the law can do, except that there are institutions and protections in place to support people coping with abuse, oppression, and ultimately, mental health issues.

The lawyer added that while depression is not unique to any country, the economic opportunities in the US provide a buffer for many Nigerians against frustration, a situation that can’t be said of its neighbouring countries or European counterparts.

He stated, “Interestingly, most Nigerians in the US derive a lot of fulfilment from their newfound experience. It’s often hard to find Nigerians wanting to leave the US for another country, except for economic challenges. This can be explained by the long-held belief that ‘America is the land of opportunities.’ The economic opportunities here are substantial and more concrete. I’m not sure you can say the same about Canada, the UK, or some other countries.”

“Depression, from what I know, typically arises due to personal circumstances. Loneliness, anxiety, and the lack of community support we’re used to in Nigeria are major contributors to depression.

“Nigerians are naturally convivial, and depending on where you live, you might not find the same level of community here. But you’d be surprised at how many Nigerians are in places like Texas, Georgia, and Maryland. I always advise people to seek out those communities. Trust me, Nigerians are everywhere, and they’re often more supportive than you’d expect.”

Choice and time

A UK-based Nigerian solicitor, Mrs Efuru Nwapa, asserted that depression is a matter of choice, pointing out that there are numerous opportunities, initiatives, and services available in the UK to help individuals facing mental health struggles.

She explained that many Nigerians fall into depression when their plans or expectations fail to materialise.

However, Nwapa emphasised the importance of seeking legitimate remedies, which she assured are always accessible within any British community.

She expressed concern over the complacency that often affects Nigerian immigrants in the UK, urging them to use the resources available to improve their lives.

“If you’ve lived here for 10, 15, or 20 years and are still doing the same thing without making any progress, you need to reflect and ask yourself whether it was worth coming here,” Nwapa remarked.

“But of course, I recognise that some people experience depression, and with the right education, awareness, and guidance, things can improve.”

The solicitor rejected the idea of returning to Nigeria as a solution to depression. Instead, she encouraged frustrated Nigerians to search diligently for the opportunities that lie in their new surroundings abroad.

“I would not advise them to return unless that is what they truly want. What I would recommend is that they focus on developing themselves. You may need to go back to school or acquire new skills. Leverage the opportunities available, and do what you can to help yourself,” Nwapa advised.

She acknowledged that not all efforts will yield immediate results, but stressed that with focus and determination, progress is inevitable.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Anyone who is determined and stays focused can achieve their goals. It may take time, but success is attainable.”

Challenges with remedies

A UK-based Nigerian physician, Dr Ezinne Nnamdi-Louis, explained that the pandemic highlighted the importance of in-person connections.

She noted that lockdowns forced Africans, Nigerians included, into isolation, revealing just how crucial physical gatherings are to mental well-being.

“When someone moves from Nigeria to a foreign country, they leave behind their family, friends, and the familiar social environment they’ve known. In this new place, they likely don’t know anyone, which can lead to isolation. That isolation, combined with loneliness, can have a profound impact on one’s mood.”

Nnamdi-Louis noted that online interactions cannot replicate the emotional fulfilment of face-to-face connections, something that became apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She stressed that loneliness is a major trigger for depression among Nigerians abroad.

Another factor contributing to depression, according to Nnamdi-Louis, is work-related stress, noting that many immigrants take jobs primarily to pay the bills rather than for job satisfaction.

“It’s not about doing something you love, it’s about surviving. When you’re in jobs like support work or factory roles, you may have to pick up extra shifts just to make ends meet. Over time, the lack of rest and the relentless pressure of work can lead to burnout and depression,” she explained.

Cultural differences also add to the stress, Nnamdi-Louis said, noting that Nigerians’ assertiveness, which is often seen as aggression in the workplace, can lead to misunderstandings and anxiety.

“Nigerians communicate directly, but in some work environments, that can be interpreted as rude or aggressive. This can lead to negative feedback and a growing sense of anxiety,” she said.

“When you start receiving criticism or warning emails, it can feel like a personal attack, which escalates stress and may eventually result in depression.”

She also referenced the challenges posed by the weather, explaining that moving from the warm climate of Nigeria to the cold winters of the UK or Canada can trigger a condition known as seasonal depression.

“In places like the UK and Canada, the long winters with little daylight can worsen feelings of loneliness and isolation,” Nnamdi-Louis noted.

“The shorter days, with darkness falling early in the evening, contribute to a sense of being disconnected from the world.

This feeling intensifies when someone is already struggling with loneliness, further exacerbating depressive symptoms. “It can feel like the world is against you, and that contributes to a cycle of sadness and despair,” she added.

Nnamdi-Louis also pointed out the fear of deportation as another significant source of stress for Nigerians abroad.

According to her, harsh immigration policies, such as changes in rules for bringing dependents, can still cause anxiety and lead to feelings of hopelessness.

“We live in foreign lands where the rules are dictated by others. If immigration policies change, it can be terrifying. Recently, the UK changed policies regarding dependents for certain jobs, which can increase stress among immigrants,” Nnamdi-Louis said.

The symptoms of depression, which include persistent headaches, weight loss, loss of interest in activities, and low energy, are not unique to Nigerians but can manifest globally in various forms.

She further explained, “When you’re depressed, you feel guilty, worthless, and your energy plummets. You might feel constantly anxious or even on the verge of tears. Loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping are common signs as well.

“Social withdrawal is another key symptom, when someone isolates themselves and avoids communication with others.”

Despite the profound impact of depression on Nigerians abroad, Nnamdi-Louis stressed that returning to Nigeria may not be the ultimate solution.

She noted that the first step in addressing depression is communication, beginning with self-awareness and taking time for self-care.

“There are work policies that protect employees and provide time for rest. It’s important to familiarise yourself with your workplace policies and join unions if necessary,” she advised.

Finding Nigerian communities in the diaspora is another essential remedy for combating depression, Nnamdi-Louis noted.

She urged Nigerians to seek out local communities or churches where they can form meaningful connections.

The UK-based Nigerian physician advised, “By prioritising social connections and self-care, Nigerians abroad can overcome the challenges of isolation and depression. Don’t avoid your own people. Actively search for communities where you can engage and participate in social gatherings.

“Nigerians thrive on communal relationships, and continuing that tradition abroad is crucial for mental health.”