Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has opened up about her struggle with depression, revealing how she continued to appear fine outwardly despite what she was going through internally.
According to Naija News, the actress shared her experience in a post on Instagram, disclosing that she battled severe depression and suicidal thoughts for nearly three years.
Juliana explained that the difficult period took a heavy toll on her body and well-being. However, she noted that the experience taught her a powerful lesson, helping her understand that joy can serve as a strong form of healing.
She said, “I was depressed and suicidal for almost three years. Of course, I showed up every day, as if I wasn’t struggling or dying inside. Depression made me realise how much of a medicine joy is; my whole body was shutting down. I was diagnosed with a sort, and I gained so much, but still not as much as the weight I was carrying inside.
“If you have never experienced depression, you might downplay what people go through when they’re depressed. If you have never been suicidal, you might think that those who take their life are selfish, whereas to them, it’s their only means of escape.
“Therapy is great. I went to therapy too, but sometimes you need to return to your Maker for the perfect fix and guess what? It’s FREE. You need not pay a dime. You only have to be vulnerable with Him and say, “Fix me, Lord”.
“I thank God for complete healing and wholeness. Shared this because of the numerous DMs of people going through depression and having suicidal thoughts.
It is not the end! Don’t listen to that dark voice in your head. The sun will rise again. Give all your depressive and suicidal thoughts to God. Tell Him about everything. He’s going to help you. I promise you.
“Vulnerable post, I feel you, I really feel you. Don’t do it, don’t do it! What you’re dealing with is common to man, to humanity, and to life. If it’s happening to you, it’s because it can not consume you; it’s because you can come out of it. You think you have little or no strength for it, but inside of you lies so much strength and capacity to break free and come out whole.”