Breaking the Silence: Why I Openly Talk About Therapy in a Culture That Stigmatizes Mental Health

I'm a therapist, and I go to therapy. I do it consistently, without apology, and I talk about it openly. This shouldn't be controversial, but in many circles, it is. People sometimes express surprise. "But you're the therapist," they say, as if I should have transcended the need for support. Or they assume I go for professional development reasons rather than personal ones—as if I couldn't possibly have my own struggles.

The stigma around therapy runs deep. We're taught that needing therapy means something is wrong with us, that it's a sign of weakness or failure. This narrative has to change—and I believe it starts with people like me being willing to talk about our own mental health care openly.

Why I'm Transparent About My Therapy

I talk about my therapy for one simple reason: mental health is health. I see a therapist the same way I see a doctor—because I want to maintain my wellbeing and address concerns before they become problems. If I could normalize therapy in my circles, I can help others feel less shame about seeking it.

"The stigma around therapy persists because successful people stay quiet about it. If I want that to change, I have to be willing to break that silence."

What I've Learned From My Own Therapy

My therapist has helped me understand patterns I couldn't see myself. She's helped me process trauma, navigate difficult relationships, and develop healthier coping strategies. She's held me accountable when I was rationalizing behaviors that didn't serve me. She's celebrated my victories and provided perspective during my darkest moments.

Most importantly, she's helped me become a better therapist—because I understand from lived experience what it means to be vulnerable enough to be helped.

The Paradox of Being a Healer

There's often an assumption that therapists, coaches, and healers shouldn't need healing themselves. We're supposed to be fine. We're supposed to have it figured out. This expectation is not only unfair—it's harmful. It prevents people in caring professions from getting the support they need, which ultimately impacts everyone they serve.

I'm more equipped to help my clients precisely because I'm willing to be helped. I understand the vulnerability it takes. I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of care and wisdom.

Breaking the Stigma in Nigeria and Beyond

In Nigeria, where I grew up, therapy is often seen as something for "crazy" people or for wealthy people dealing with trivial problems. Mental health isn't prioritized. Suffering is normalized. People push through pain without addressing it, and generations of unhealed trauma compound.

This is part of why I do what I do—why I founded Hisparadise Therapy and why I'm so vocal about mental health. Every person who sees me accessing therapy and discussing it openly makes it slightly easier for the next person to do the same.

What Needs to Change

• We need to stop conflating therapy with crisis. Therapy isn't just for people who are falling apart. It's preventive care, growth work, and maintenance.
• We need more visible examples of successful people in therapy. When leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-achievers talk about their therapy, it changes the narrative.
• We need to remove the shame from mental health struggles. Having depression, anxiety, trauma, or challenges doesn't make you weak. It makes you human.
• We need better access and affordability. Therapy shouldn't be a luxury. The people who need it most often can't afford it.

Final Thoughts

I'm a therapist in therapy, and I'm not going to hide it. If my openness helps even one person feel less alone or less ashamed about seeking help, it's worth it. Mental health is health. Let's start treating it that way.