The world today is marked by growing uncertainty, and for many Nigerians, daily life is filled with rhetorics like “What if?”, “God when?”, and the most popular “E go better.” This sense of unpredictability extends to the investment landscape, where political and economic instability underpinned by structural bottlenecks, currency depreciation, rising inflation, job insecurity, and market downturns continues to weigh heavily.
For the investing public, navigating the volatility and uncertainties in the capital market may come with its complexities, impacting our finances in ways we may not have anticipated. However, the understated impact is the emotional toll we encounter whilst navigating this path. This re-emphases that when markets decline, it’s not just our portfolios that suffer, our peace of mind does too.
The Highway where Ends never seem to Meet
When you check the news, you find out unemployment is on the rise, the value of your portfolio is dropping faster than a falling knife. Then you remember that rent is due, electricity meter needs to be recharged, school fees are rising, and your savings seem to lose value daily. This is the reality of many Nigerians today. All these affects more than just our pockets; they impact our mental health. Anxiety, insomnia, feelings of helplessness, and even depression are increasingly common.
The constant worry about money can lead to burnout, family tension, and low productivity. Let’s be honest, financial stress is real.
Some signs are obvious, others are not. If you or someone close to you is experiencing the following, it may be time to take a step back and reassess:
- Constant anxiety or panic over money matters
- Obsessively checking the stock market or exchange rates
- Withdrawing from social interactions
- Difficulty concentrating or making financial decisions
- Mood swings triggered by financial news
Knowing and acknowledging the signs is the first step to taking control of your well-being; both financial and mental well-being.
Mental health is just as important as financial health. In fact, the two go hand in hand. When you’re mentally strong, you make clearer, smarter money decisions. You’re more patient, more strategic, and less reactive and prone to making lesser errors.
In times of volatility, it’s easy to panic and sell off investments, hoard cash, or fall prey to scams promising quick returns. But when you’re emotionally grounded, you’re more likely to stay the course, seek good advice, and make choices that align with your long-term goals.
How to Cope in Volatile Times
Here are some practical ways to take care of both your money and your mind:
- Filter the Noise
Not every tweet, headline or market swing deserves your attention. Choose trusted sources of financial information and limit how often you check your investments. Obsessive monitoring fuels anxiety. - Focus on What You Can Control
You can’t control inflation or the exchange rate, but you can control your spending, saving, and investing habits. Create a realistic budget. Automate your savings. Diversify your investments. These small actions create a sense of control and outsized positive impact. - Talk About It
Silence can be heavy. Talk to a trusted friend, a financial advisor, or a mental health professional. Don’t carry the burden alone. Vulnerability is strength, not weakness. - Invest in Yourself
Read books. Take free courses. Develop new skills. The more valuable you become, the more you can earn, regardless of market swings. Your knowledge and expertise do not diminish, and they continue to give you return. The best investment you can make is investing in yourself. - Build a Resilient Portfolio
Avoid putting all your money into high-risk investments. Balance your portfolio with safer instruments like bonds, mutual funds, and treasury bills. In tough times, consistency and safety matter more than chasing high returns. - Practice Mindfulness
Simple routines like journaling, prayer, deep breathing, or evening walks can work wonders. Ground yourself in the present moment, not tomorrow’s fears.
The truth is everyone is navigating these turbulent times. What sets resilient people apart is not the size of their bank account but the strength of their mindset.
Don’t let market meltdowns lead to mental meltdowns. Your peace of mind is worth protecting.
Remember, markets recover, currencies rebound, and economies evolve. But your health—mental, emotional, and financial—must be your priority.
Let’s build resilience together.
