Housemates and their mental health matters – BBNaija

As the Big Brother Naija housemates are in week three, themed “health and wellness” it’s time to reflect on how they initially claimed they prepared mentally and emotionally for this challenging journey versus how they’re currently navigating the high-stress environment of the house.

When the show began, housemates shared their mental and emotional readiness, expressing confidence, strategy and determination. But three weeks in, their behaviour reveals how well those preparations have actually held up.

Aces

Sooj described himself as being in a “good place mentally and physically” and welcomed the isolation from the outside world as a chance for clarity. Initially calm, week three has seen Sooj becoming more agitated as alliances shift and house tensions rise. His laid-back attitude seems to be giving way to moments of frustration, revealing that even those who start relaxed can find themselves on edge as the pressure intensifies. He felt like a pawn when Nelita chose Chekas as their house guests after the Aces had campaigned for them, but their continued closeness has made him feel like Nelly is not playing games with him.

Topher likened the Big Brother Naija experience to his time in university monitored by cameras, making it seem like familiar territory for him. While this comparison initially held, his interactions suggest the pressure of constant social dynamics and gameplay strategy might be weighing more heavily on him than he anticipated. Anita has remained a factor for him in the house, even getting into a fight with Onyeka regarding comments made about food and Anita not cooking for him. Anita did not choose him as his house guest when she won HoH, adding a layer of complexity to their dynamic, although they are still going strong.

Beta

Ben claimed to be prepared for this journey, but we can’t help but wonder if he was truly ready for marriage—a conversation he’s had with Chizoba.

Tjay aka Doctor leaned heavily on prayer, family counsel and advice from friends for his mental preparation. So far, he’s stayed true to this foundation, remaining composed despite conflicts around him. He has emerged as the house counsellor and a trusted confidante for some housemates.

Chekas

Onyeka spoke passionately about facing past trauma and engaging in shadow work to minimise triggers. While her introspective nature shines through, moments of vulnerability have emerged as she encounters interpersonal challenges, notably with her sister Chizoba. Her deep self-awareness is evident, but real-time stress has caused cracks in her seemingly secure emotional state, leading to a couple of emotional breakdowns.

Chizoba claimed to be self-aware and accepting of her triggers, ready to handle whatever comes her way. As the weeks progress, she remains true to this self-acceptance but is still navigating how her triggers play out in the high-stakes environment. Also, is her thing with Ben taking off?

DoubleKay

Kellyrae declared himself ready for whatever could come his way. His initial confidence is intact, but subtle signs of stress are creeping in as alliances form and break down. His stoic approach is commendable, but the emotional ups and downs of living under constant surveillance are starting to show, revealing the limits of mental readiness in the face of human unpredictability. His wife, Kassia seems to be the prize for Toby Forge, and as much as he maintains composed when Toby speaks to or of Kassia, that is bound to shift things for him. Was he prepared for that as well?

Kassia’s assertion that she was “mentally and emotionally prepared for whatever happens” seemed rock-solid. However, week three reveals that predicting outcomes and living through them are two different things. Her calm exterior is beginning to shift as she deals with the unpredictability of relationships and game strategies, especially DJ Flo’s closeness with her secret husband Kellyrae. Secretly navigating the house with her husband has taken its toll, and their marital status might be showing through the cracks. Will she be able to continue maintaining her composure, even with other housemates showing interest in her man?

Floruish

DJ Flo came in stating confidently, “I don’t joke with my mental health”. She emphasised her emotional strength and a unique perspective on life that has helped her overcome challenges. In the house, her composure has already been tested, especially after the fight her partner Rhuthee had with the custodians, adding to the anxiety of possible eviction. Her unique perspective on life, however, has made her a solid shoulder to cry on for Zinwe. But how can her newly found position affect her mental health for the rest of the journey?

Rhuthee claimed to be mentally ready for betrayal and backstabbing but was uncertain about her emotional resilience. Three weeks in, she’s trying to navigate the murky waters of trust and deception, and while her mental guard remains up, the emotional toll is evident. Her fight with Wanni x Handi has seen her treading on thin ice this week as she finds herself on the wrong side of this week’s Custodians.

Mbadiwe Twins

Ocee said the lockdown period provided clarity and put things into perspective. It allowed him to focus on becoming his true self, which is his work. As for Ocee, we’re still watching and learning who he truly is in the house – only time will tell.

Ozee is mentally aware that this journey will be tough, especially because he is in it to win it. His plan was to take things as they come, and seems to be sticking to the plan. He has been involved in some quarrels with housemates, but he seems to forgive, forget and move on quicker than one would expect.

Nelita

Nelly claimed to be mature and prepared to handle the game’s emotional pitfalls. While her maturity is evident, she’s still grappling with the emotional fallout of housemates’ unpredictable behaviour like her exchange with Ozee and Chinwe’s theft accusations. Her initial stance of not taking things personally is being tested as she encounters situations that challenge her emotional guard.

Anita came in with a clear sense of purpose and a reminder of why she joined the show. While this clarity is keeping her focused, the emotional highs and lows of the house are stretching her, but she remains pretty grounded. From her sailing ship with Topher, and entering Nelly’s wahala, one can’t stop to wonder if moments of emotional conflict suggest that her mental preparation alone isn’t enough to keep her fully anchored.

Radicals

Fairme David came into the house fully focused on his career elevation and stated that he was ready for any public scrutiny. While his ambition remains clear, cracks are beginning to show as the social dynamics intensify. He has butted heads with the Mbadiwe Twins, and his friend Michky feels like he is a bit isolated from him.

Michky was candid about being mentally prepared but emotionally vulnerable due to thoughts of family. His prediction was accurate, as he often finds himelf retreating into stories of his dreams to stay grounded. While his strategy of carrying photos has helped, the isolation and lack of direct support from Fairme David might be taking an emotional toll.

Shatoria

Shuan emphasised his mental strength and programmed mind. So far, he’s largely stayed true to his truth, remaining unshaken by challenges, so he says. Ebuka’s table shaking on Sunday has left him feeling like he is a villain in the public’s view, but he is okay with that because he has remained steadfast in his truth. Like he said, it is still week 3 and Biggie might have more twists and turns that might challenge him in unexpected ways.

Victoria acknowledged that no one can be fully prepared for the Big Brother Naija experience. Her flexible mindset has helped her adapt, but she’s also been caught off guard by the intensity of the house. She has been in a shell for the first two weeks in the house, but Ebuka’s table shaking and Shaun’s straight-shooting might have just cracked her open.

Streeze

Mayor Frosh

Toby Forge

Wanni x Handi

Wanni entered with a positive mindset and the intention to enjoy the experience. While she’s largely stayed true to this by getting into a ship with Shaun and being the life of the party, emotional vulnerability has crept in, particularly when navigating conflicts and alliances. The gap between her optimistic approach and the reality of living in a high-pressure environment and even being a custodian is starting to show, highlighting how even the best intentions can be challenged. She spent most of day 18 sleeping. Could the pressure be getting to her?

Handi is confident that her head is in the best place because her plan is just to have a good time. Her party highlights have definitely lived up to her plan, but we wonder if her recent gbas gbos with Rhuthee is her defintion of fun.

Zinwe

Zion’s approach was unique; leaning on the presence of his girlfriend, Chinwe, in the house for emotional stability. Unfortunately, the opposite has taken place. Zion was heard telling DJ Flo that he did not like how toxic Chinwe could turn things in the house. Does this mean that Chinwe has added instability to the house? Luckily for him, he has prayed and meditated because no matter how prepared you are, anything is possible at this point. His experience has been exactly that.

Chinwe entered the house fortified with prayer, meditation and introspection, along with support from her partner, Zion. Her sense of feeling unsupported by Zion triggered her into a fight with him that ended up being addressed by Ebuka during the live show, which sent her into an emotional whirlwind as Ebuka exposed things she said behind Zion’s back. Her first individual diary session was teary and heavy, but Biggie is holding her hand through the journey and advising her to self-introspect to weather the storm.