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A popular Nigerian Instagram influencer, Anda Damisa, widely known as Lazywrita, has reportedly taken his own life. With an audience of nearly 100,000 followers, the shock of his death hit many after a scheduled post surfaced on his page announcing his passing.
The post, believed to be his final message, hinted at overwhelming emotional exhaustion. In it, he wrote about losing the strength to keep going and feeling “free” after deciding to end his life — a heartbreaking reflection of silent struggles many people battle behind closed doors.
Long before this tragic incident, Anda had openly spoken about his mental health challenges. In October, he revealed he was mentally and emotionally drained, explaining how the month overwhelmed him in ways he never expected. By November, he addressed his unusual silence online, admitting that life had become “too loud” and even the things that once brought joy suddenly felt heavy.
Sadly, most people fail to recognize these signs until tragedy strikes. Just like Anda, countless Nigerians are silently fighting depression, loneliness, betrayal, emotional trauma, and overwhelming life pressures. Unfortunately, instead of empathy, many people respond with harsh criticism or mockery — especially online. After Linda Ikeji’s blog reported the news, several commenters labeled him “cowardly” and “selfish”, further reflecting society’s insensitivity toward mental health issues.
A similar tragedy occurred recently involving a talented radio presenter in the South-East, who also showed visible signs of distress before taking her life. These stories continue to expose a troubling reality — many people are crying silently while the world moves on.
This problem is closer than we think. Many marriages are breaking people emotionally. Many have lost their spark for life. Some laugh online but cry in private. Some simply wish for peace from overwhelming pain. And sadly, society often judges instead of helping.
Recently, singer Tiwa Savage broke down in tears while performing on stage, and instead of empathy, many Nigerians rushed online to criticize her. Words matter. Comments matter. And sometimes, careless remarks can push a struggling person even deeper.
We must do better.
Let us learn to be kind. Check on your friends. Reach out when someone goes unusually quiet. Watch out for warning signs such as:
Emotional signs:
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, irritability, and emotional numbness.
Physical signs:
Constant fatigue, sudden weight changes, sleep problems, and unexplained body pains.
Behavioral signs:
Withdrawal from friends and social activities, difficulty concentrating, neglecting responsibilities, and expressions of despair.
If you notice these signs in yourself or others, please seek help. Step away from toxic spaces, including social media pages that worsen emotional stress. Surround yourself with supportive people. And most importantly, remember that mental health is as important as physical health.
Let us judge less, love more, and be intentional about kindness.
No one should feel alone in their struggle.
Written by: Chidi Okoroafor
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