Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed that she once struggled with depression, a period she says nearly silenced her passion for fiction.
In an interview with CNN Africa, Adichie described the experience as a “constant shadow” that left her deeply unhappy.
“I was fighting depression. In that period, just 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,” she admitted.
The Half of a Yellow Sun writer explained that the most painful part of that season was losing the ability to write fiction, something she considers central to her identity.
“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 said.
Adichie recalled trying to fill the creative void with speaking engagements and other activities, hoping they would inspire her, but they only left her feeling more miserable.
During that time, she leaned on books and poetry for solace.
“I read the books I love. I read a lot more poetry in that period because I think poetry really helps with language. But also in the end, it’s just about waiting and hoping. You’re not in control of this thing.”
The celebrated writer described her creativity as spiritual, likening it to receiving stories from “the ancestors and the spirits.” She said she now feels renewed joy promoting her new novel, Dream Count, which she calls deeply personal.
“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. Honestly, it’s kind of everything I hoped it would be.”
Adichie’s candid revelations have sparked conversations online about mental health, resilience, and the challenges creatives face when battling inner struggles.
