Lagos, Nigeria - In a profound exploration of the intersection between public success and private struggle, media entrepreneur and author Chude Jideonwo has detailed the mental health journey that inspired his latest book, How Depression Saved My Life. Speaking on The Link Up podcast with host Teddy A, the co-founder of Red Media Africa shared how a 26-year career—which began at the age of 15—led him to a critical reassessment of vulnerability, fame, and the pursuit of internal fulfillment.
A central theme of Jideonwo’s transition is the rejection of the "hedonic treadmill," a psychological state where external milestones such as wealth and power provide only fleeting satisfaction. He recounted a pivotal moment in 2014 when, despite reaching significant professional heights, he was met with a profound and inexplicable sadness. This experience served as the catalyst for his book, which he is currently promoting through a global tour spanning Lagos, London, Berlin, and New York. The tour has already sparked a series of high-profile conversations, with various public figures coming forward to share their own experiences with therapy and clinical depression.
Related article - Uphorial Shopify
To safeguard his well-being in the digital age, Jideonwo advocates for a strict detachment from social media. He revealed that he no longer maintains direct access to his accounts, a move designed to prevent external opinions and online negativity from dictating his sense of self-worth. Instead, he prioritizes "soul food time"—a daily regimen of prayer, meditation, and immersion in nature. He argues that disconnecting from the "noise" of the modern world is essential for anyone looking to reconnect with their true identity.
Jideonwo also introduced the concept of the "view from the floor," urging those facing hardship to embrace the unique perspective gained during their lowest moments. He maintains that personal failures and periods of depression are not wasted time if they lead to a richer, more purposeful life. By sharing his journey from entertainment and PR entrepreneurship to mental health advocacy, Jideonwo aims to normalize the conversation around emotional struggle, insisting that a "fall" can ultimately be the force that propels a more authentic "rise."
