How Depression Saved Chude Jideonwo’s Life

Nigerian media and entertainment entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo has released the teaser for his upcoming short film, How Depression Saved My Life, a deeply personal project inspired by his decade-long journey through mental health challenges, recovery and self-discovery.

The film, which accompanies his new book of the same title, chronicles Jideonwo’s experiences between 2014 and 2024 a period he describes as “the most transformative decade of my life.” Both the film and the book explore how moments of darkness shaped his purpose, voice and mission to inspire others through storytelling and vulnerability.

In an emotional post on social media, Chude opened up about the years following his career highs including working on the Buhari and Akufo-Addo presidential campaigns in 2015 and 2016. Behind the public success, he revealed, he was diagnosed with clinical depression and Tourette’s syndrome, battled suicidal thoughts and eventually stepped down as CEO of RED Media.

Those struggles became the foundation for a new era in his life and work, leading to the creation of #WithChude, a storytelling platform centred on healing, empathy and the human experience.

“HOW DEPRESSION SAVED MY LIFE is not just about pain,” Chude said. “It’s about transformation, about how the hardest moments of our lives can shape our greatest purpose.”

Now available on NarrativeLandscape.com, in bookstores across Nigeria and on Amazon, both the book and short film invite audiences to confront their own pain with courage and find meaning in their healing journey.