The reality TV star, Tega Dominic, has advised prospective contestants of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) to reconsider participating if they are not mentally prepared.
Speaking in a recent interview about her experience after the show, Tega said she would not encourage anyone close to her to take part in the reality programme.
The former housemate revealed that following her participation in the 2021 ‘Shine Ya Eye’ edition, her anxiety worsened, making it difficult for her to navigate public spaces alone.
She explained that everyday activities became overwhelming, while certain forms of physical interaction were hard for her to handle.
“I won’t tell anybody close to me to go for Big Brother,” she said.
“If you’re not mentally strong, don’t go. I used to have anxiety before then, but it became worse. I had social anxiety — I can’t go to spaces if I’m alone. It got worse.”
She added that the intense emotional pressure and sudden exposure associated with the show can be mentally draining, particularly for individuals who are not psychologically prepared.
“I can give hugs, but I can’t receive hugs,” she said.
“I wear a face mask because I don’t want to say hello to so many people. I had to control that, and it helped.”
In January, the Actors Guild of Nigeria appointed Tega as special adviser on sexual harassment to its president.