Actress Juliana Olayode has revealed that she secretly battled depression and suicidal thoughts for almost three years while still showing up in public as if nothing was wrong. She said she decided to speak out to encourage others going through similar struggles.
In a candid Instagram post, Olayode said depression made her understand how powerful joy can be as a form of healing. She explained that during this period her body began to shut down, she was diagnosed with a condition and gained a lot of physical weight on top of the heavy emotional burden she was carrying.
She noted that people who have never faced depression or suicidal thoughts often do not understand how deep the pain can be. According to her, those who die by suicide are not simply being selfish, but often see it as their only escape from overwhelming suffering.
Olayode shared that she went for therapy and found it helpful. However, she said her complete healing came when she turned fully to God, describing God as the Maker who offers a perfect and free solution to brokenness.
She encouraged people battling dark thoughts to be honest with God and ask Him to fix them. She urged them not to listen to the “dark voice” in their heads, insisting that their situation is not the end and that the sun will rise again.
The actress stressed that what many are facing is part of the common struggles of life and does not have the power to destroy them. She believes that even when people feel weak, they still carry great strength and capacity inside to break free and become whole again.
Olayode reminded her followers that God loves them, wants them healed and wants them alive. She ended her message with prayers, warm wishes and Bible references, including 1 Corinthians 10 verse 13 and Daniel chapter 3 verse 27, as sources of hope and encouragement.
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