AfriPulse
Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode, popularly known as Toyo Baby has shared about a deeply personal chapter of her life.
In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram page, the movie star revealed that she endured depression and suicidal thoughts for nearly three years while keeping her struggles hidden from public view.
Toyo Baby reflected on how the experience profoundly affected her physical, emotional and mental well-being.
According to the 30-year-old, depression made her realise how much of a medicine joy is, adding that despite appearing strong and functional on the outside, she was silently battling intense emotional pain behind closed doors.
She further revealed that the prolonged struggle took a toll on her body, describing how she felt depleted and disconnected as her health declined.
The entertainer noted that the experience helped her understand the true value of joy, which she described as essential to human survival.
During that period, she said she was diagnosed with health-related issues and experienced significant weight gain, which she attributed not only to physical changes but also to the emotional burden she carried within.
Juliana also addressed common misconceptions surrounding depression and suicide.
According to her, people who have never faced such challenges often underestimate the severity of depression or judge those who contemplate suicide harshly, without understanding the depth of despair that drives such thoughts.
She stressed that for many, suicidal ideation is not about selfishness but a desperate search for relief from overwhelming pain.
While acknowledging the importance of professional help, Olayode disclosed that although she sought therapy, she ultimately found lasting comfort and healing through her faith.
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She credited her recovery to reconnecting spiritually and turning to God, whom she described as the source of her complete restoration.
She added that her decision to speak up was inspired by the large number of messages she receives from individuals who are currently struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts.
Through her message, she encouraged those facing similar battles not to give up, reminding them that difficult seasons do not last forever.
Olayode urged people dealing with dark thoughts to speak out, seek help, and hold on to hope, reassuring them that inner strength often exists even when it feels absent. She emphasized that suffering is a shared human experience and does not define a person’s future.
Concluding her message with words of encouragement and compassion, the actress expressed solidarity with those in pain, offering prayers and love.
She reaffirmed her belief that healing is possible and that life is worth holding on to, urging anyone struggling to believe that brighter days lie ahead. In her words:
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“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.
GOD LOVES YOU, GOD WANTS YOU HEALED AND ALIVE. YOU NEED TO GO TO HIM.
Please believe me. Sending you prayers, warm hugs and love.
1 Corinthians 10:13, Daniel 3:27
SHARE THIS WITH ANYONE WHO NEEDS IT.
Don’t forget to go subscribe to my YT channel (Juliana Olayode TV), turn on your notification bell, and we’ll meet on Friday by 6pm.”
Source: MotherhoodInStyle | Read the Full Story…
