Popular Nigerian TikTok star, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, also known as Peller, has shared how the burden of being his family’s breadwinner at just 19 is affecting his mental health.
In a live session with actress Sandra Benede, the young star opened up about his struggles, saying he is tired of the pressure and doesn’t enjoy going home anymore. Peller said that even though he is not yet 20, he already has big responsibilities that make him feel like he’s the parent in the family, even though he has an older brother.
“I don’t like to see my family again. I just send them things and make sure they are okay. My thinking has passed the level of staying with them. Even though I have an elder brother, it feels like I’m their parent,” he said during the emotional live session.
Peller also said he doesn’t get time to rest and has thought about running away to another country just to find peace. “If not that they would start looking for me, I would have just gone to America to stay there and go offline. I’ve been wanting to do it for a while now,” he added.
When asked about missing his family, Peller said he doesn’t feel attached to them like before. “Before, if my mum travelled, I would cry and wait for her. But now, I don’t miss anybody. The only person I can miss is Jarvis, my girlfriend. I talk to my family, but I don’t feel the same anymore.”
His honest confession touched many Nigerians online and sparked different reactions. Some people supported him while others advised him not to forget his family.
AbiolaAdebisi7 tweeted: “I have not seen anything on this earth that will make me stay away from my family members. I will gladly bear every responsibility placed on me by them.”
KlasickTheHost said: “They are the best people you can start investing in, Peller! Don’t run away from them especially if they give you peace of mind. Society might betray you, but your family won’t.”
GodfatherLino reacted: “Na so e dey start. He’s lowkey crying for help now, and people are just mocking him.”
Lefthand31 added: “He feels like their parent? Lol. Meanwhile, he’s playing house with a girl that doesn’t even like him.”
jamesgodwin504 wrote: “You have to face this when you’re the breadwinner. But when the pressure is too much, you feel like they’re using you.”
TheUptown_SA tweeted: “To understand his pain, put yourself in his shoes. Too young to carry this load.”
Humble__mercy___ wrote: “Only he knows what he’s going through. May God help him.”
Sandy_coco__ said: “Breadwinners are humans too abeg.”
Nk_steve00 added: “But you don’t mind making millions at this young age. You have a lot to be thankful for.”
Nwokensogbu1 commented: “If grace finds you, don’t turn your back on your family.”
Dazzlnsbeautylounge shared: “Nobody will understand until they wear your shoes.”
_i_am_adewunmi warned: “You’re missing a girl that can leave anytime more than your parents? If you lose your family, you’ll know their true value. No girlfriend can replace them.”
