GodLight International Journal

Mental stress has become a significant psychological and social challenge in contemporary Nigerian society. Economic instability, unemployment, insecurity, academic pressure, and weakening traditional support systems have intensified psychological strain among individuals and communities. While biomedical and psychological approaches to stress management are increasingly emphasized, religion continues to play a central role in how Nigerians interpret and cope with mental stress. This article examines religion as a coping mechanism for mental stress in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on its implications for human relations. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature from psychology, sociology, and religious studies, the paper explores the nature and sources of mental stress in Nigeria, religious coping strategies, and the impact of these strategies on interpersonal relationships and social cohesion. The article argues that religion remains a vital resource for meaning-making, emotional regulation, and communal support. It concludes that integrating religious resources into mental health and social interventions can enhance psychological well-being and strengthen human relations in Nigerian society.

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