Celebrities
Dakore Egbuson-Akande Talks About Her Battle with Postpartum Depression
Nigerian actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande, a celebrated multi-brand ambassador and award-winning artist, has bravely shared her personal struggle with postpartum depression and the inspiring journey towards her recovery.
In a candid interview on the podcast series “With Chude,” Dakore delved into her mental health challenges and the path she undertook to overcome them.
Reflecting on her seemingly idyllic life and the hurdles she encountered after becoming a mother, the actress revealed, “I had some slight complications after the birth of my first daughter. I found myself in a state of sadness and gradually slipped into postnatal depression. At first, I didn’t even realize what was happening.”
It was a conversation with an older friend that served as a turning point for Dakore, helping her identify the underlying cause of her emotional swings. Seeking professional guidance, she consulted her OB/GYN, who confirmed her symptoms of postpartum depression. Dakore also realized that her passion for creativity had taken a backseat during the four years she had been away from work.
“I experienced a consistent and persistent sadness—a lack of joy. It felt like I was constantly struggling to reach happiness, sometimes alternating between extreme happiness and deep sadness,” she revealed, shedding light on the rollercoaster of emotions she faced.
Recognizing the significance of therapy, Dakore sought help from a therapist who became an instrumental part of her healing journey. The therapist encouraged her to reconnect with her love for acting, reminding her that she had been immersed in the craft since childhood. This realization played a vital role in her recovery process.
With the unwavering support of her therapist and a trusted friend, Dakore discovered that her depression was rooted in the significant life changes she had undergone. Slowly but surely, she began to reintegrate herself into the world of acting and the entertainment industry, regaining control of her life and nurturing her mental well-being.
Dakore Egbuson-Akande, a revered figure in the Nigerian film industry, has graced the screen in notable movies like “Isoken,” “Fifty,” “The Set Up,” and “Chief Daddy.” Her resilience and willingness to share her personal journey serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, fostering a dialogue around mental health in the process.
As we celebrate Dakore’s triumphant return to her craft, let us applaud her bravery in addressing postpartum depression and raising awareness about this often-misunderstood condition. Her story serves as a reminder that seeking help, engaging in therapy, and pursuing one’s passions can lead to healing and renewed purpose.
