Monthly conversations
One topic, one professional, one person with lived experience, and an open room. Online, so you can join from anywhere in Nigeria.
Mental health and recovery, Nigeria
You shouldn't have to hit rock bottom to ask for help
We're a community for honest conversations about mental health and addiction. We listen, we share real stories, and we connect you with people who have been where you are.
About us
Talking about it is where healing starts
Merari started with a simple belief: people should be able to say "I'm struggling" without being judged, punished, or hidden away.
Too many Nigerians wait until things fall apart before anyone takes their pain seriously. Families keep it quiet. Communities whisper. And the people who are struggling end up feeling like they're the only ones.
Nobody should have to carry it alone, or in silence.
So we talk about mental health and addiction openly, in plain language. We bring people together with others who have walked the same road, some fully in recovery and some still on the journey. And we share real stories, written, spoken and on camera, so that asking for help starts to feel normal.
What we believe
- Addiction and mental illness are health conditions, not character flaws
- Asking for help takes strength, and it should never bring shame
- Nobody should be shamed, chained or forced into getting better
- Families need support too, not just the person who is struggling
- Lived experience is powerful. Hearing "me too" can change everything
We're a community, not a clinic. We don't provide medical treatment, and we'll always be honest with you when professional help is the right next step.
How we walk with people
- LearnTalks and content in plain language
- Notice earlySpotting the signs before a crisis
- TalkMessage us, anonymously if you like
- ConnectMeet people who understand
- Keep goingCommunity for the long road
Peer support
Talk to someone who has been there
Sometimes the most helpful thing you can hear is "me too." We connect you with people who have lived through addiction or mental health struggles, some fully in recovery and some still on the journey, who are willing to listen and share what helped them.
They aren't doctors, and they won't judge you. If what you're going through needs professional care, we'll be honest about that and encourage you to get it.
Your story+Someone who's been there=Less alone
Talk to someone
- Reach outOn WhatsApp, anonymously, or at any of our events
- A real person repliesWe listen first, and you share only what you're comfortable with
- Get connectedTo someone whose journey looks a bit like yours
- Join the conversationsMonthly group sessions, online, from anywhere in Nigeria
- Keep going togetherCheck-ins and a community that doesn't disappear
What we do
Most of what we do is about making it easier to talk. Here's where we show up.
Voices: stories and podcast
Real people sharing their journeys in writing, on audio and on video, named or anonymous, always with consent.
Family support
For parents, siblings and partners who don't know what to say or where to start.
Talk to someone who's been there
Get connected with people in recovery or with lived experience who will listen without judging.
Schools, campuses and communities
Talks that help young people, teachers and leaders notice early signs and respond with care.
Recovery community
Ongoing check-ins and group conversations, because recovery is easier with people around you.
Upcoming events
Come to listen, ask, or help out
Register to attend or sign up to volunteer. You never have to tell anyone why you came.
Online
Addiction isn't a lack of discipline
What substance use disorder actually is, why willpower alone rarely works, and what helps. A psychologist explains, someone in recovery shares, and you ask anything.
Speakers: Clinical psychologist (to be announced) · A member of our recovery community
150 places left
In person
Stress, substances and your twenties
A campus conversation for students and young professionals about pressure, coping, and the line between unwinding and depending on something.
Speakers: Psychiatrist (to be announced) · Peer recovery speaker
120 places left
Online
When someone you love is using
For parents, siblings and partners. How to start the conversation, what not to say, how to look after yourself, and where to find support.
Speakers: Family therapist (to be announced) · A parent who has been there
100 places left
Ask anonymously
Rather type than talk? Message us.
Write what's on your mind. When you press the button, WhatsApp opens with your message ready to send, and a real person on our team replies. No bots, no lectures.
- We don't save anything you type on this page.
- You don't need to give your name. Share only what you're comfortable with.
- Our team will see your WhatsApp number. We never share it, and we won't call unless you ask us to.
- We usually reply within 24 hours. We're available Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm.
In immediate danger? Please don't wait for a reply. Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency unit.
Voices
Read, listen, watch
Real stories and honest conversations about mental health, addiction and recovery in Nigeria. Written, recorded and filmed.
Learn
Addiction is not a lack of discipline
Why "just stop" almost never works, and what actually helps someone who is struggling with drugs or alcohol.
Family
How to talk to someone you're worried about
A simple guide for the conversation most of us put off: what to say, what to avoid, and what to do if it doesn't go well.
About us
What actually happens when you reach out to us
No surprises. Here is exactly what happens after you send us a message, from the first reply to finding people who understand.
Is what I share with you confidential?
Yes. Messages, registrations and stories stay within our small team. We never share your details with your family, school, employer or anyone else without your permission. The only exception is if we believe someone's life is in immediate danger, and even then we will try to talk it through with you first.
What does Merari actually do?
We run honest conversations about mental health and addiction, connect people with others who have lived through similar struggles, support families, and share real stories in writing, on our podcast and on video. We're a community, not a clinic, so we don't provide medical treatment.
Who will I be talking to?
Real people on our team, and people with lived experience: some fully in recovery, some still on the journey. They won't judge you, and they'll share what helped them. They aren't doctors or therapists, so if what you're going through needs professional care, we'll be honest about that and encourage you to get it.
Do I have to give my name?
No. You can message us anonymously, come to events with just a first name, and share your story without your name attached. Share only what you're comfortable with.
I'm worried about a family member. Where do I start?
Send us a message on WhatsApp, even if you aren't sure what is going on. We'll listen, help you think about how to bring it up, and connect you with people who have supported someone through something similar. Our family conversations are also a good place to start.
Do I have to be struggling to attend an event?
Not at all. Our conversations are for anyone who wants to understand mental health and addiction better: students, parents, teachers, faith leaders, professionals, or the simply curious. You never have to say why you came.
I don't live in Abuja or Lagos. Can you still help?
Yes. Most of our conversations happen online, and WhatsApp works anywhere in Nigeria.
Can I share my story or come on the podcast?
Yes, we'd love that. You can write it, send a voice note, or record an episode with us. Named or anonymous. We'll work on it together, and nothing is published until you're happy with it.
Is this an emergency service?
No. We usually reply within a day, which is too slow for an emergency. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital emergency unit straight away.
How can I volunteer, partner or donate?
You can volunteer at any upcoming event using the Volunteer button. Organisations, schools, companies and faith communities who want to host a conversation or support our work can email our partnerships team.
Help us keep the door open
Every conversation, story and volunteer hour means someone feels less alone, sooner.
Support the work
Help us run more conversations, record more episodes and reach more communities. Partners get clear updates on what their support made possible.
Talk to our teamHost a conversation
Schools, campuses, companies and faith communities can invite us to run a talk or a wellbeing session.
Invite usVolunteer with us
Help at events with registration, moderation, photography, social media or follow-ups.
See volunteer spotsGet our monthly letter
New conversations, stories and resources, once a month. No spam, and you can leave anytime.