Adesewa completed her NYSC nine months ago. Since then, she has applied to thousands of jobs and has gotten no interview invites. Due to the lack of financial resources, she moved to her parents’ house to live. In the past five months, since she has been home, she has become the caregiver for her young siblings. She has lost her sense of independence and now thinks gloomily of the future. Her parents ask her about marriage, and she wonders if she is in a position to marry anyone as an unemployed woman.
Emeka is a 32-year-old man who lost his lucrative job two years ago. After his rent was due and he couldn’t afford it, he moved into a cheaper house, and then his parents’ home after their death. His siblings are beginning to grumble about his long stay in the house, preventing them from putting the house up for rent. He has applied for multiple jobs but has always received rejections. He is at his wits’ end and is now having suicidal thoughts.
According to “The State of the Nigerian Youth 2025 Report” by Plan International Nigeria and Action Aid Nigeria, 53% of Nigeria’s Youth population are unemployed. This is about 80 million youths. The IMF reports that Nigeria’s unemployment rate is currently 22.6%. All statistics point to the high rate of unemployment, with potentially devastating effects on youth mental health.
Research shows that joblessness is associated with low self-esteem, increased suicidal intentions, and feelings of hopelessness. There is also a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and substance use among unemployed youths. How can you help yourself if you are in this situation?
Practical Tips to Protect Your Mental Health as an Unemployed Nigerian Youth
- Create structure and routine
There is a feeling of aimlessness and lack of structure that makes joblessness very discomforting. While unemployed, you can create a structure and routine that keeps you grounded. Structure and routine give you a sense of purpose and fulfilment that reduces the distress associated with unemployment.
- Separate your self-worth from your employment status
Your identity is not your unemployment status. Your current inability to get a job does not mean you are useless or doomed to failure. Yet, stay humble and don’t feel too big to do some jobs.
- Stay productive by upskilling and volunteering
The job market is dynamic, and every day, new requirements emerge for employees. Stay abreast of the latest trends in the job market and your field of interest. Enroll in online courses, practice, and utilize these skills publicly to show proof of your work. You can also show proof of your competencies and grow by volunteering for individuals and organizations that will help you build on critical skills and strengthen your profile. Many staff members of the Asido Foundation, for instance, started as dedicated and passionate volunteers. Engaging in meaningful activities makes the seemingly hopeless period of job hunting an enjoyable one.
- Behave responsibly online
Social media is filled with many activities that waste your time and reduce your chances of being gainfully employed. Many youths are also known to throw caution to the winds and ‘catch cruise’ via cyberbullying, trolling, and posting obscene content. Others are downright rude and disrespectful in their engagements. Yet, future employers are watching this digital footprint, and it may significantly reduce your chances. Civility costs nothing.
- Manage financial stress
A major and difficult part of being unemployed is financial stress. You can manage financial stress by freelancing and engaging in petty jobs to earn some income. You should also start saving as much as you can, reduce your expenses, and be upfront about your financial limitations.
- Build a strong support network
Difficult times, like during periods when you are unemployed, are when you need a strong support system. Strengthen your connections with friends, family, and peers who understand your challenges. You can also join an online or offline support and job opportunities group. This will provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Avoid Drug abuse
It may be tempting to drown frustrations in drug abuse, but you are doing more damage to your physical and mental health as well as reducing your chances of getting and keeping a good job.
Strategies to Support an Unemployed Nigerian Youth
If you have a loved one who is currently unemployed, support them. You can offer practical help by sharing job openings, referring them for jobs, sharing upskilling opportunities with them, and putting them on an allowance if you can afford it. Do not berate them endlessly and compare them unfavorably with more successful peers. Monetary gifts and motivation are very important ways of showing support in this period. But even more importantly, they need mentoring and opportunities to build their self esteem and acquire competencies. Linkages to volunteering opportunities are critical.
