“I Was Deeply Unhappy” – Chimamanda Adichie Breaks Silence on Depression

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Celebrated Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has opened up about her private battle with depression, revealing how it nearly silenced her passion for fiction writing.

Speaking in an interview with CNN Africa on Friday, September 26, 2025, the award-winning writer described the period as one of the darkest in her life. She admitted that she was deeply unhappy for years and struggled to cope with the weight of depression.

“I was fighting depression. In that period, just deeply unhappy. Deeply unhappy. And there are ways to try and hide your unhappiness, but you know, it’s there. It’s a constant sort of shadow with you. And it’s not a good place to be,” Adichie said.

One of the most painful parts of that season, she explained, was her inability to write fiction, a craft she has always cherished. “So in the years that I couldn’t write  and really not being able to write fiction when fiction is a thing that you deeply love it’s just a terrible place to be,” she added.

To cope, the novelist said she immersed herself in other activities such as giving speeches, reading, and writing poetry. 

“I did a number of things. I tried to distract myself. I said yes to many more things than I ordinarily would because I just thought the writing is not happening… but then I’d come back and be miserable,” she revealed.

Adichie noted that poetry and revisiting her favorite books slowly helped her reconnect with language and creativity. However, she stressed that recovery from depression required patience. “In the end, it’s just about waiting and hoping. You’re not in control of this thing,” she remarked.

Describing her creativity as spiritual, Adichie likened her inspiration to voices from “ancestors and spirits” guiding her. She expressed immense joy over completing her latest novel, Dream Count, which she described as a personal triumph over her difficult journey.

“I’m very happy to be running around and singing and dancing for this novel because it means a lot to me. I’m grateful that I finished it, finally. I’m grateful that it’s out. I’m grateful that it’s found its readers,” she said.

For her fans worldwide, Adichie’s revelation sheds light on the hidden struggles many artists face, proving once again that even the most celebrated figures encounter moments of vulnerability. 

Her resilience and eventual triumph serve as an inspiration to readers and aspiring writers navigating their own battles with mental health.

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