Renowned writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has revealed her struggles with depression and how it affected her passion for writing fiction.

In an interview with CNN Africa, Adichie described depression as a constant shadow that left her deeply unhappy and unable to write during that period.

She admitted that while she tried to mask her unhappiness and fill the creative void with speaking engagements, she often returned feeling miserable.

She noted that she found comfort in reading books and poetry, which eventually helped her reconnect with language and her craft.

“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. Okay, why don’t I just go and give the speech? And part of it was also, maybe if I go, then I’ll get inspired… but then I wouldn’t. Then I’d come back and be miserable.

“But I also think I did things like read the books I love. I read a lot more poetry in that period because I think poetry really helps with language. But also in the end, it’s just about waiting and hoping. You’re not in control of this thing”, she said.

The writer said she views creativity as a spiritual experience, stating that stories come from ancestors and spirits speaking to her.

“There are stories that are — so I call it the ancestors and the spirits speaking to me. So they’re really speaking to me now. And I’m very happy to be running around and singing and dancing for this novel, Dream Count, because it means a lot to me”, she said.

She expressed gratitude after overcoming her struggles and finishing her novel, “Dream Count,” which has found success with readers.

“I’m grateful that I finally finished it. I’m grateful that it’s out. I’m grateful that it’s found its readers. I’m grateful that, in some ways, really, honestly, it’s kind of everything I hoped it would be.” (The Nation)