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The twenties are often romanticized as the decade of freedom, growth, and endless possibilities. But for many, this period can be confusing, disorienting, and at times, deeply challenging. Questions about identity, purpose, and direction can feel overwhelming, leaving young adults unsure of themselves. In this article, we interviewed a young graphic designer who faced an identity crisis in their early twenties. Their story offers insights, lessons, and hope for anyone experiencing similar struggles.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what your life was like in your 20s?

I am currently a graphic designer and, looking back, I think I am doing pretty well. I would describe myself as an ambivert, someone who enjoys being around people but also cherishes solitude. Life in my 20s, however, was nothing like I had imagined as a teenager. Everything felt shocking in a way I couldn’t have predicted. I thought I knew exactly who I was and where I was headed, but reality quickly proved me wrong. There were moments that were confusing, lonely, and overwhelming, and I had to navigate them without any clear roadmap.

When did you first start feeling lost or unsure about your identity?

I think it started when I was 22. I had just graduated from school, and on the surface, everything seemed to be going smoothly. I had plans and goals that I thought were well figured out. But then I suddenly got unsure of many things. The things I used to enjoy felt empty and I started questioning everything I thought I knew about myself. I realized that my certainty about my identity was not as strong as I had believed.

How did this identity crisis affect your mental health and daily life?

It affected me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. I felt a constant restlessness that I couldn’t shake off. I started withdrawing from activities I once enjoyed and from people I cared about, even though I tried to maintain appearances. My sleep became irregular, I lost focus at work, and I felt a general sense of emptiness that seemed to follow me everywhere. Even simple decisions became exhausting because I doubted my own judgment and sense of direction.

Were there any signs that made you realize it was more than just normal stress?

The biggest sign was the exhaustion I felt from just being in my own life. Normally, 

has a cause that can be addressed, but this felt like a persistent disconnection from myself. I noticed that the things that used to make me happy no longer had meaning. I felt trapped in my own thoughts, and I began noticing that my reactions to everyday situations were unusually intense. That’s when I realized that this was something deeper than ordinary stress.

Did you face any stigma, either from yourself or others about struggling with this?

In truth, nobody knew what I was going through at that time. I had to maintain the perception that everything was fine, that I had my life together, because that was what people expected of me. I didn’t share my struggles with friends or family. Looking back, I can see how isolating it was to carry that weight alone, and I wish I had felt comfortable reaching out sooner.

What motivated you to seek help or start making changes?

I think the turning point came when I realized that time was slipping away and I couldn’t continue living this way. It scared me to see myself stagnating and losing touch with who I wanted to be. I had to do something because I could no longer ignore the emptiness I felt. That fear, mixed with a desire to find myself, was what pushed me to finally look for solutions.

Who or what supported you during this period?

Interestingly, there was no one close to me who knew what I was going through until after I started feeling better. In retrospect, I wish I had shared some of it with my friends. But what really helped me was professional guidance. I had spent a lot of time online asking questions and exploring self-help resources, and that’s how I discovered 

. I decided to try it, and it turned out to be the support I really needed.

What strategies or habits helped you cope or understand yourself better?

Before seeking professional help, I tried coping on my own in ways that weren’t very healthy. I would distract myself endlessly, thinking that staying busy was enough. But when I finally engaged in therapy, I learned tools to process my emotions, understand my patterns, and approach life with more awareness. I started 

regularly, reflecting on my thoughts without judgment, and practicing small daily habits that reinforced self-compassion. Those steps slowly helped me reconnect with myself.

Looking back, what were the biggest lessons you learned from this experience?

One of the most important lessons is that it’s not abnormal to go through this kind of uncertainty in your 20s. Many people experience it, even if they don’t talk about it. But it also taught me that waiting and trying to handle it alone can make things harder. Reaching out for help, even if it feels uncomfortable, is not a weakness but it’s part of growth. I learned to be patient with myself and to acknowledge that personal development is a gradual process.

What advice would you give to someone in their 20s going through a similar identity crisis?

Your 20s are once, so don’t try to do life alone. Seek guidance, whether from professionals, friends, or mentors you trust. Be honest with yourself about how you feel, even when it’s uncomfortable. Please, explore your interests and don't limit yourself. You are permitted to change your mind until you get it right. Most importantly, remember that questioning yourself is not a failure, it’s a sign that you’re actively trying to grow and understand who you are.

Going through an identity crisis in your twenties can feel pretty lonely, but know that you’re definitely not alone in this. The journey we’re talking about here serves as a reminder that feeling uncertain is just part of growing up. Seeking help is actually a sign of strength, not a weakness. 

By taking the time to reflect on our experiences, reaching out for support, and being kind to ourselves, we can find our way again, get to know ourselves better, and really make the most of this transformative decade. Sure, your twenties might come with a lot of questions, but they can also be an incredible time for personal growth.

A candid conversation with someone who faced an identity crisis in their 20s, struggled alone, and shares how they reclaimed themselves.

A Candid Conversation: Struggling With an Identity Crisis in the 20s

Grief doesn’t always fade with time. Some losses linger, demanding deeper healing. In this fictional yet heartfelt story, we explore the weight of complicated grief and how therapy became a quiet companion on the path to emotional healing

The sterile smell stayed with her for years. Sometimes, she’d catch a whiff of antiseptic somewhere random, and her chest would tighten. Her husband was lying there pale, fragile, a shadow of the vibrant soul she once knew.

She remembered the way he smiled even through the pain, how he gently squeezed her hand, how he told her to keep going. To live. To find happiness beyond his absence. But how do you do that when every step forward feels like you’re leaving them behind?

It doesn’t always come with daily tears or dramatic outbursts. Sometimes it’s quiet and lingering. The kind that hides in smiles and silences. It’s been seven years, but the pain hasn’t left. If anything, it has evolved and shaped itself into something that silently follows her around.

She still talks to him sometimes. In her head, on empty nights. She wonders if that’s weird. If people would understand. But in those moments, it brings comfort, and grief is selfish like that. It gives you what you need, even if it isolates you.

That was the part no one really talks about. How do you grieve two losses at once? How do you bury the man you love and the child you never got to hold? The world moved on. But she couldn’t. She didn’t want to. Because if she moved on, did that mean she was okay with what happened? Was it a betrayal to keep living?

The months after the funeral were a blur. Well-meaning friends told her to stay strong. Family encouraged her to focus on the future. But what future? Her heart felt like a tomb of what could have been. She existed, but she wasn’t living.

Every object left behind has a story. Some stories we’re still learning how to live without.

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Grief and Loss

Complicated grief (also called Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder) is a mental health condition where the pain of loss doesn’t ease over time. The world expects you to bounce back eventually. But for some people, the sorrow doesn’t dull, it deepens.

They don’t just miss the person. They carry guilt., regret and questions that may never get answered. She had them all.

What if I had stayed hopeful a little longer?

Those questions looped in her head for years. They haunted her in quiet moments. She went to work, smiled at neighbors, even joined a book club once but the ache never left.

She had resisted it at first, thinking it was for people who couldn't hold it together. But one day, the weight of everything felt too much. So she walked into a small office, unsure of what to expect. What she found was a space where her pain wasn’t rushed, where she could speak her truth without shame.

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The sessions didn’t magically erase the pain, but they gave her language for it. They helped her unpack her guilt and understand her grief. Little by little, therapy gave her permission to live again at her own pace.

She realised healing isn’t about forgetting. It’s not about closing the door on what was. But when grief becomes your only companion, it slowly robs you of life. She didn’t notice how she stopped attending weddings. How she avoided baby showers. How she felt jealous of women pushing strollers… and hated herself for feeling that way.

She remembered their long conversations about naming the baby. She remembered the soft laughter they shared during morning routines, the way he’d rest his hand on her belly with quiet pride. Those moments had once been too painful to recall. But now, they began to feel like something sacred. She began to understand finding peace isn't betrayal.

It took her five years to realize that letting go isn’t the same as giving up. That moving forward doesn’t erase the love. If anything, it honors it.

She remembered his voice, not the pain-filled one at the end but the one filled with laughter. The one that called her "Fyne" with a teasing grin. That memory brought tears, yes. But this time, they didn’t drown her. They washed something open.

Maybe it was the beginning of healing. It wasn't a big moment but a quiet shift.

She found herself journaling more. Taking long walks and saying yes to small plans. She didn’t call it recovery. She just called it... surviving better. Then, eventually, she called it living.

Why Talking About Mental Health and Grief Still Matters

This story may be fictional, but the emotions are real. Grief is not one-size-fits-all. And complicated grief deserves to be talked about just as openly as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Because people live with it silently and daily.

If you've ever felt stuck in a loss that others expected you to be over, know that you’re not broken. You’re not alone and healing doesn’t have to mean forgetting.

In grieving fully, we sometimes find our way back to living.

Struggling with overwhelming emotions? Our article on 

offers practical support. You can also learn emotional self-care techniques in this 

A fictional yet heartfelt story on complicated grief, therapy, and emotional healing after loss. For anyone navigating grief that doesn’t just go away.

When Moving On Feels Like Betrayal: Living with Complicated Grief

When it comes to seeking mental health support, the different titles can be confusing. Should you speak with a therapist? Do you need a psychiatrist? Are counselors and psychologists basically the same?

If you’ve ever found yourself asking these questions, many people wonder the same thing. While these professionals all work in the same field, their training, roles, and approaches vary. This article is here to explain things clearly and help you figure out who does what.

Many people use “therapist” to refer to anyone who provides mental health support. However, not everyone who is called a therapist has the same training or role. It refers to trained professionals who provide talk therapy (also called psychotherapy) to help people navigate emotional and mental health challenges.

Therapists may come from various backgrounds – they might be licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), marriage and family therapists (MFTs), or licensed professional counselors (LPCs). 

They use different frameworks depending on their training, but share a common goal, which is helping you understand your emotions, improve your mental well-being, and develop healthier thought patterns.

Family therapists – focus on relationship dynamics

Marriage counselors – work with couples

Mental health therapists – deal with anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.

Rehabilitation counselors – help individuals adjust to disability or recover from addiction

Therapists work hand-in-hand with psychiatrists if your treatment requires medication.

Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychologist

Psychologists are highly trained mental health professionals. Like therapists, they provide talk therapy. But they’re also trained in psychological testing and assessment which is especially helpful for diagnosing complex mental health issues like learning disorders, ADHD, or personality disorders.

Psychologists study the science of how people think, feel, behave, and learn. While many offer therapy, some also engage in research or consult in educational or corporate settings.

In short, all psychologists can be therapists, but not all therapists are psychologists.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental illnesses with a strong focus on the medical side of mental health.

Treat severe psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder

While some psychiatrists also offer talk therapy, most focus on medication management and collaborate with therapists or psychologists for a holistic approach.

Counselors are trained to help people deal with specific life issues, like grief, addiction, academic stress, or career decisions. Most hold a master’s degree in counseling and are licensed in their area of specialty.

They often offer short-term therapy, solution-focused approaches, and practical support to help you move through a particular life stage or challenge.

Counselors and therapists do similar work, and in some settings, the titles are even used interchangeably. The main difference often lies in training models and scope of focus but both play an important role in supporting mental health.

If you're dealing with emotional overwhelm, anxiety, relationship issues, or self-esteem challenges, starting with a therapist or counselor can be a great first step. If you need in-depth diagnosis or suspect a condition that may require medication, seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist might be more helpful.

But remember, there’s no wrong starting point, what matters is getting help.

Tips for Choosing the Right Mental Health Professional

Are you looking for talk therapy, medication, or both? This helps narrow down whether to see a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

Ensure your provider is licensed and qualified in their field. This protects you and ensures professional standards.

Find a professional with experience relevant to your concerns (e.g., anxiety, relationship issues, trauma).

Some therapists use specific methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), while others may focus on supportive counseling. Research or ask what style fits you.

Consider location, availability, and whether they offer in-person or online sessions.

Some professionals focus on specific issues like trauma, addiction, children’s mental health, or couples therapy. Choosing someone who specializes in your area of concern can lead to better outcomes.

These make it easy to browse profiles, read reviews, and book appointments with trusted professionals suited to your needs.

TranqBay Connects You to Mental Health Professionals

Still unsure which professional is right for you? That’s exactly why TranqBay exists.

At TranqBay, we make mental health support simple and accessible. Whether you’re looking for a therapist to guide you through a tough season or a psychologist to help manage your condition medically, we connect you with the right professional based on your needs.

Learn about their specialties and approaches

Your mental health matters and getting help doesn’t have to be complicated.

The world of mental health can feel overwhelming, especially when the terms overlap and the paths aren’t always clear. But the certain thing is that whether it’s a counselor, psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist, each professional plays a unique role in helping people live better, fuller lives.

The most important step? Reaching out. Your peace of mind is worth it.

Therapist or psychiatrist? Counselor or psychologist? Understand the roles of mental health professionals to get the support that’s right for your journey.


What’s the Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychiatrist?

In recent years, conversations about mental health have moved from the sidelines to center stage. More people are recognizing the importance of mental well-being, and therapy is no longer the taboo it once was. But if you’re new to the idea of therapy, that’s okay too, there’s always time to learn.

Therapy, in its simplest form, is a way of talking to a trained professional who helps you work through your feelings, thoughts, and challenges. It provides you tools to handle difficult emotions, improve your mental health, and cope with life’s struggles. 

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or other mental health conditions, therapy helps you heal, grow, and cope. It’s not about being ‘crazy ’— it’s about taking care of your mind just like you would your body.

For a long time, therapy was avoided in conversation because of misconceptions. Many believed seeking therapy meant something was ‘wrong’ or equated it with insanity. Thankfully, with efforts from health organizations and awareness campaigns, this stigma is fading.

It’s often assumed that therapy is only for people with serious problems. But the truth is, therapy can benefit anyone looking to improve their mental health and well-being.

Also, there was a time when therapy seemed like a luxury reserved for the wealthy or well-connected. Today, access has expanded, not just geographically but digitally. The rise of online therapy means more people can get help without leaving home.

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At Tranqbay, we’re proud to be part of this evolution. We serve as a bridge, connecting individuals to trusted therapists near them – whether online or in-person. No more traveling long distances just to get the support you need.

Our platform gives you the freedom to choose: prefer sitting face-to-face with a therapist? We’ll help you find professionals nearby. Prefer the flexibility of online sessions? We’ve got you covered. You can browse different types of therapy, review therapists’ qualifications, and select what best suits your needs – all in one place.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), one of the most significant barriers to therapy is the complexity of finding and accessing care. Many individuals feel overwhelmed by the process of searching for a suitable therapist.

Tranqbay simplifies this process by offering a user-friendly platform that allows people to find and book therapy sessions with ease, helping remove one of the primary hurdles for many seeking help.

A report by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) highlights that a major concern for therapy seekers is the lack of clarity about a therapist’s qualifications and expertise. To address this, Tranqbay ensures that every therapist on our platform is licensed and thoroughly vetted. 

By partnering only with certified professionals, we aim to give our users confidence in their therapist’s credentials, helping them make an informed choice about their mental health care.

According to Mental Health America, many individuals report that waiting times to book therapy appointments is a significant barrier to accessing care. At Tranqbay, we offer real-time availability for both in-person and online therapy, allowing individuals to quickly schedule sessions that fit their personal schedules. By eliminating long wait times, we ensure that help is more accessible when people need it the most.

A survey by Psychology Today revealed that 70% of individuals are concerned about the privacy of their personal information when seeking mental health care. 

At Tranqbay, we prioritize privacy, ensuring compliance with healthcare industry standards to safeguard all personal data. We make sure that you can seek therapy in confidence, knowing that your sensitive information will be protected.

A study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that approximately 1 in 3 Americans avoid seeking mental health care due to financial barriers. At Tranqbay, we offer a range of pricing options to accommodate different budgets, including sliding-scale fees for those in need. 

We believe that cost should never be a barrier to accessing quality therapy, so we work to make therapy more affordable for everyone.

Research shows that matching the right therapist to a patient is a critical factor in improving therapeutic outcomes. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, having a therapist who aligns with the patient’s needs and preferences increases the likelihood of successful treatment. 

Tranqbay offers an intuitive platform that allows users to search by therapy type, specialty, language, and even personal preferences. This personalized matching helps individuals find the best fit for their mental health needs.

Skip the Wait. Book a Trusted Therapist Near You or Online

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Now that you’ve been enlightened, why wait?

Take the first step toward better mental health. 

Need a little guidance? We’ve prepared a simple 

 to walk you through booking your first therapy session. 

 on mental health conditions, self-help strategies, and wellness tips. They're all designed to support you at every stage of your mental wellness journey.

Your journey to healing and growth is just a click away.

Need therapy? Tranqbay helps you find and book trusted therapists online or nearby. Quick, secure, affordable mental health support.



Find Licensed Therapists Near You or Online | Book Therapy with Tranqbay

Psychologists define procrastination as "the voluntary, unnecessary delay of an important task, despite knowing that it could have negative consequences." 

Simply put, it's the act of delaying or postponing something that needs to be done –  sometimes even when you know there will be consequences. Many times, you're fully aware of what needs to be done, yet you keep pushing it aside. But, it's not always a sign of laziness; in fact, it often stems from deeper emotional or psychological triggers.

Maybe you’ve done this before: your to-do list is in front of you, you stare at that one task you keep moving from one day to the next, whispering, “I’ll do it tomorrow.”

Perhaps it's even today that you’re finally reading this blog post after saving it for over a week. That’s procrastination in action.

Experts explain that procrastination isn’t just about poor time management, it’s often an emotional response. It happens when we try to avoid the negative feelings a task brings, like fear, boredom, or self-doubt. Instead of tackling the task, we seek immediate relief, even if it means delaying what’s important. 

It’s more common than you think. Almost everyone procrastinates at some point. It's human nature. But when it becomes a constant pattern, when it starts to affect your productivity, mental well-being, or personal growth, then it’s time to pause and pay attention.

We like to tell ourselves we still have time.

We believe we’ll be in a better mood later.

We assume we’ll feel more prepared tomorrow.

Sometimes, procrastination is rooted in fear: fear of failure, fear of success, or fear of not doing it perfectly. 

Other times, it's a result of feeling overwhelmed, perfectionism, or even low self-esteem.

In some cases, procrastination is a symptom of an underlying mental health condition such as depression or ADHD. It may also come from forgetfulness, being in the habit of always waiting until the last minute, or simply believing you’ll always have time to catch up.

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What Procrastination Really Steals from Us

While putting things off may feel harmless in the moment, the consequences tend to pile up:

Reduced productivity: You do less and feel worse about it.

Increased stress: Deadlines get tighter, and pressure builds up.

Missed opportunities: You may lose out on growth, goals, or great chances.

Poor performance: Last-minute rush jobs often lack the quality of well-paced work.

Emotional toll: Guilt, anxiety, and self-criticism are frequent companions of chronic procrastinators.

The truth is, you may never completely stop procrastinating because you are always juggling a lot. But you can learn to manage it better, especially when it becomes chronic and affects your life consistently.

10 realistic tips to help you break the cycle:

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You can do it now.

Do you always procrastinate on the same types of tasks? Notice the pattern. Awareness is the first step to breaking it.

Overwhelm often leads to avoidance. Break big tasks into micro-steps. Instead of “Write report,” try “Open document,” then “Write first paragraph.”

3. Flip the Logic: "If I Can Do It Later, I Can Do It Now"

The next time you catch yourself saying, “I’ll do it later,” challenge that thought. Why not now? Often, the time you spend avoiding the task is longer than the time it would take to complete it.

Your phone, noise, open tabs – all of them chip away at your focus. Try using apps that block distractions or set a timer for focused work.

If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This helps you build momentum and tackle the small things that pile up quickly.

Use to-do lists, time blocks, or planners to organize your tasks. But give yourself grace when things don’t go perfectly.

7. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Time

Truth is, there's rarely a perfect moment. Waiting for the right mood, energy, or spark may just be another form of avoidance.

Don’t beat yourself up for procrastinating. Instead, ask: “What am I avoiding, and why?” Replace shame with curiosity.

Tell someone your goals. Body doubling (working alongside someone else) or sharing your to-do list can motivate you to follow through.

Done is better than perfect. Celebrate the small wins, they add up over time.

Procrastination isn’t always about laziness, it’s about emotions, expectations, and sometimes, mental load. 

But you’re not powerless. Each small step you take toward doing the thing (even if it’s just reading this post!) is already a win.

So, if you’ve been putting off something important, consider this your nudge. Start small and start now.

Learn why we procrastinate, how it affects your goals, and effective ways to break the habit. Take back control of your time and productivity today.

Why We Procrastinate and How to Break the Cycle

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet finding the right support can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially in Nigeria where conversations around mental wellness are still evolving. Maybe you're feeling stressed, anxious, navigating grief, or simply want to understand yourself better. Whatever your reason, seeking professional help from a therapist is a sign of strength, not weakness. But where do you start? How do you find someone qualified, affordable, and who truly understands you?

The journey to finding the right therapist can present hurdles – from knowing where to look, to concerns about cost, finding someone licensed, or even logistical challenges. This is where Tranqbay steps in. As a dedicated mental health platform, Tranqbay aims to bridge the gap, making it significantly easier for individuals across Nigeria to connect with licensed, registered therapists suited to their unique needs.

This article will guide you through understanding therapy, the importance of finding the right fit, and specifically how Tranqbay's features can help you find a therapist "near you" – whether that means geographical proximity, cultural understanding, or simply the perfect professional match available online.

Why Consider Therapy? Understanding the Benefits

Therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, is a collaborative process between a therapist and a client. It provides a safe, confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and experiences. 

Searching for a therapist near you in Nigeria? Tranqbay connects you with licensed online & in-person therapists. 

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