Nigerian content creator and TikTok personality, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has opened up about the emotional weight of being the primary provider for his family at just 19 years old.
In a heartfelt discussion with fellow TikTok creator Sandra Benede, Peller revealed that although his parents and older siblings are alive, he is solely responsible for the family’s financial upkeep. He described the situation as overwhelming and mentally exhausting.
“I’m not feeling okay. The other day, I slept off in my car till the next morning. I don’t like what I am facing in this young age. I’m not even up to 20 years. It is not fair,” he said.
Peller admitted that the pressure has affected his relationship with his family. He said he now prefers to provide for them from a distance rather than be physically present.
“I don’t like seeing my family anymore. I just send them things to make sure they are okay. I don’t like to see them again because my mentality is higher than living with my parents. My mentality now is higher than theirs. It feels like I’m their parent even though I have an elder brother,” he said.
The young influencer likened his life to that of a parent, explaining how the stress has pushed him to the brink of wanting to disappear.
“I struggle like a parent. I don’t rest. Sometimes, I feel like running away to hide somewhere in America and go offline. I have been meaning to do it but I don’t want them to be worried,” he said.
Reflecting on how much his emotional connection to his family has changed, he added, “Before, I used to miss my mum whenever I travelled as a child. But right now, I don’t miss any of my family members anymore. The only person I will miss is Jarvis. I communicate with my family through phone but I don’t miss them.”
Peller’s emotional revelations have sparked conversations online about the mental health pressures many young people face while shouldering adult responsibilities too early in life.