Bad Mood Trigger 1: Food Intolerance
In West Africa, eating is more than just sustenance—it’s a communal, joyful experience. But some people find that certain foods leave them feeling not just physically uncomfortable, but unusually moody as well. Food intolerances can cause digestive troubles like bloating and nausea, yet what many don’t realise is that they can also impact mental well-being. Reports from nutritionists in Lagos and Accra suggest that reactions to foods such as milk, wheat (a key ingredient in bread and noodles found in Nigerian markets), or even the popular suya spice mix can lead to irritability, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, nervousness, or sudden aggression.
If you suspect that your mood is regularly affected after meals, consider starting a detailed food diary. Record everything you eat and make notes about any changes in your mood. Over time, you may spot patterns indicating a link between particular meals and emotional turbulence. This practice is especially useful in large families, where shared meals can make it tricky to isolate the culprit. If you notice persistent issues, it’s recommended to consult a medical professional or registered dietitian.
Bad Mood Trigger 2: Your Home Decor
The colours and arrangement of your living space play a bigger role in your emotions than you might think. In Nigerian homes, vibrant colours are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal and cultural meaning. However, certain colours may affect your mood in unexpected ways. For instance, bold reds sometimes found in Lagos homes may increase feelings of agitation, while shades of yellow or blue tend to promote happiness and relaxation, respectively.
Interior designers in Abuja point out that accessorising with calming hues—such as sky blue curtains or sun-yellow throw pillows—can help lift your spirits. Additionally, research published by the American Psychological Association suggests that displaying artwork like serene African landscapes or family photos can help lower anxiety and reduce daily stress. For many Ghanaians, hanging up calming kente-inspired wall hangings or nature photographs can also provide a subtle mood boost.
Bad Mood Trigger 3: Getting Promoted
A job promotion is often viewed as a significant achievement, especially in competitive environments such as Lagos, Accra, or Port Harcourt. But according to a University of Warwick study, the reality may not always align with the dream. The research found that workers who received a promotion experienced a sharp increase in mental strain, leading to a ten percent decline in reported mental health on average.
In Nigeria, where extended families might celebrate your job success with elaborate ceremonies, hidden pressures can mount. New responsibilities, longer hours, and higher expectations can weigh heavily, especially for breadwinners. Local HR consultant Chinedu Okafor warns that adjusting to new professional levels often brings hidden emotional challenges. Taking time for self-care, talking openly with supportive friends or mentors, and seeking professional support when needed remain vital for sustainable career progress.
Trigger 4: Your Bedside Lamp
Many Nigerians wind down by scrolling through social media or finishing a novel under the glow of a bedside lamp. But experts warn this habit could be disrupting much-needed rest. Research highlighted by the National Sleep Foundation shows that exposure to artificial light at night can suppress melatonin—the hormone responsible for regulating mood and sleep cycles.
In West African cities, where power outages mean people might sometimes sleep without electricity, residents note a difference in sleep quality during blackout periods. Sleep physician Dr. Bisi Adebanjo advises layering heavy curtains and ensuring electronics are switched off at bedtime to maximize darkness and improve rest. Good sleep hygiene can offer a natural happiness boost and help you wake up more refreshed.
Trigger 5: Nutrient Deficiencies
Depression and anxiety are complex conditions that can have various contributors, but the food you eat plays a crucial role. In Nigerian and Ghanaian diets, staples like cassava, yams, plantains, and grains provide essential energy, but some micronutrients might be lacking if diets are not balanced. Studies from Nigerian medical journals report that a deficiency in vitamin D (common in those who spend little time outdoors), B vitamins like B6, B12, and folate (abundant in beans and leafy greens), and omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish like mackerel and tilapia) can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness or unease.
Public health experts recommend including a wider variety of locally sourced vegetables, fortified cereals, beans, and seafood to support both physical and mental wellness. Regular health checkups at local clinics can also identify and address potential deficiencies before they become problematic.
Trigger 6: Your Friends
Friendships are central to community life across Nigeria and Ghana. From group WhatsApp chats to hangouts after church or at viewing centres, social networks are strong and vibrant. Yet, psychologists caution that moods—both good and bad—are highly contagious. A study reported by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that individuals can subconsciously adopt their friends’ emotional states, whether through face-to-face interactions or even passive scrolling on social media.
Local psychotherapist Funke Yeboah notes that if your close friends are feeling stressed, anxious, or pessimistic, it can subtly affect your outlook too. This emotional mirroring is not unique to Nigerians but often feels amplified here due to strong group ties. The upside is that joy, optimism, and laughter are just as infectious, meaning cultivating positive, supportive friendships is just as important for wellbeing.
Trigger 7: Late Nights
Late nights have become a staple for students preparing for exams, tech entrepreneurs chasing deadlines, and Lagosians enduring long traffic commutes. While many recognise that lack of sleep drags down energy, fewer are aware of the deeper impacts on mental health. Findings published in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences suggest that “night owls” are up to three times more likely to suffer severe depression symptoms than those who maintain an earlier bedtime.
Local sleep coaches and wellness advocates continually remind their clients that prioritising sleep is not just about the number of hours, but also about aligning with natural daylight cycles where possible. Consistent routines—like going to bed at the same time each night—can help reset your mood and boost overall health.
Trigger 8: The Pill
Contraceptive use is rising across Nigeria and Ghana as more women take charge of their reproductive health. According to a Monash University study, some hormonal contraceptives—including certain birth control pills—may make some users up to twice as likely to report depression. Other side effects cited include increased mood swings, anger, and a decreased interest in intimacy.
Healthcare professionals like Dr. Adaora Onuoha advise women not to ignore mood changes that occur after starting or changing contraceptives. If you suspect your mental health is affected, consult a reproductive health specialist or your family doctor. With an expanding variety of family planning options now available across West Africa, adjustments can often be made to find what works best for your body and mind.
Things That Lift Team Spirits — What’s Bringing Us Joy
In the midst of daily hustle, the little things can offer the most comfort. From fitness feats to quiet moments with loved ones, here’s how some team members find their spark—even when life gets hectic in West Africa’s busiest cities.
Kelleigh Korevaar, Managing Editor
Finishing a fitness challenge—be it a Lagos marathon, a fun run for charity, or simply achieving a personal goal at the gym—can deliver a powerful boost of endorphins. Kelleigh shares, “I never believed fitness competitions would be this energising. Now, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to push myself—it’s become a real source of motivation and happiness.”
Pia Hammond, Creative Director
Escaping the relentless energy of the city can be deeply restorative. Pia finds peace camping with her loved ones and dog, soaking up the simple pleasures of nature. Whether it’s the quiet of a Ghanaian forest or the wild stretches in Nigeria’s national parks, these moments re-center and relieve her daily stress.
Kemong Mopedi, Deputy Editor
For book lovers across Africa, nothing beats getting lost in a compelling new release. Kemong’s joy peaks with the recent arrival of Dream Count by literary icon Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She shares, “As soon as the book was released, I retreated into it—reading is my sanctuary.”
Michelle October, Features Editor
Michelle finds daily happiness in her dog, Moomoo. With her playful energy—whether it’s befriending strangers or chasing after seaweed on the beach—Moomoo always brings a reason to smile. For pet owners in Nigeria and Ghana, animals often provide powerful emotional support and unconditional companionship.
Chamain van Zyl, Digital Editor
Getting outdoors is Chamain’s tried-and-tested mood booster. Whether it’s a solo walk, a run through the neighbourhood, yoga at Lekki Beach, or playtime with family, she believes fresh air and sunshine are essentials—not luxuries. As Chamain says, “It’s science: nature nurtures.” For many West Africans, incorporating even brief outdoor moments into daily routines can make all the difference.
How do your daily routines, environments, or even your friendships influence your mood? Have you noticed similar triggers affecting mental wellness in your own life or among your friends and family? We want to hear your experiences—what’s keeping you uplifted these days in Nigeria, Ghana, or wherever you are?
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