Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed that she went through a difficult battle with depression, a period she said almost silenced her love for fiction
Speaking in an interview with CNN Africa, the award-winning author admitted that her struggle left her deeply unhappy for years.
“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 hardest parts of that season, she explained, was her inability to write fiction, something she has always been passionate about.
“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, Adichie said she distracted herself with speeches, reading, and 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.”
The celebrated author revealed that poetry and reading her favorite books helped her reconnect with language and creativity. Still, she admitted that much of the healing process came down to patience.
“In the end, it’s just about waiting and hoping. You’re not in control of this thing,” she noted.
Describing her creativity as spiritual, Adichie said her inspiration often comes like voices from “ancestors and spirits” speaking to her. She expressed joy over completing her latest novel, Dream Count, saying it marked her triumph over that dark chapter.
“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.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
