The tables are turned for this most recent episode of Toke Moments, as Toke Makinwa’s couch is graced by Chude Jideonwo himself. Chude is known for his hard-hitting, viral interviews with a lineup of celebrities, from Former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Bimbo Thomas and Funke Akindele.
The media personality is currently on a book tour promoting his recently released book, How Depression Saved My Life. There, he opens up about his life, his childhood, and how close he came to acting on the suicidal thoughts that often come with depression.
Chude Jideonwo Opens Up on His Depression and Suicide Attempt on Talk With Toke Makinwa
This time, Chude is opening up about his personal struggles with depression and the one time he considered suicide when life became overwhelming. Explaining that the episode was triggered by a financial crisis, he said:
“It was a deep financial problem. I’d never faced a financial problem in my life because I started working at 14 and I’d been going up, up, up, up. And then, so we’re dealing with this financial problem. And the person in the company who was the second high revenue earner sends me a message saying she’s quitting.”
He recalled receiving the message in Lagos and driving home in an already fragile emotional state.
“If my memory is correct, I got that message in Adeola Odeko. So I’m driving back home. I used to live in Surulere there. And I’m heavy. I’m tired. I’m really dealing with depression. I’m barely functioning. It’s like your chest is really. I’m tired and this has been happening for two months or so.”
Chude went on to describe his emotional crisis and the moment suicidal thoughts crept in while driving across Eko Bridge.
“So when I drive onto Eko Bridge. I don’t know what or what it was makes me look to the right and look at the body of water. For the first time, it occurred to me – I remember my thought was drive. If I just drive into the water, then all of this will end. And I felt peace.”
Mariam Emily Adama is a copywriter, SEO strategist, and digital marketer passionate about using words to inform, inspire, and influence. With over seven years of experience writing for global brands and managing digital campaigns, she brings a data-driven yet creative approach to content creation. When she’s not writing or analyzing trends, Mariam enjoys exploring new cultures, reading, and documenting stories that celebrate African excellence.