Actor Michael Ejoor Opens Up on Battling Depression and Surviving Multiple Suicide Attempts
Michael Ejoor bravely opens up about years battling clinical depression and surviving suicide attempts.
His emotional revelations on Jay On Air highlight hidden struggles and inspire conversations on mental health.
Nollywood actor Michael Ejoor has revealed that he has battled clinical depression for years and survived several suicide attempts. He opened up about his struggles during an appearance on the podcast Jay On Air.
Ejoor said his depression started in childhood, when he felt completely isolated and unloved. “Growing up, I was secluded. I thought everybody hated me. I even thought my dad hated me. I didn’t think anybody liked me. I didn’t think anything was going well for me,” he said.
He explained that although his parents tried their best, he believed he was a “terrible child” who lacked recognition or support, even while he was already working on-screen. According to Ejoor, the hardest part of being in Nollywood is not the production itself but dealing with silent struggles and public expectations.
The actor disclosed that he was diagnosed with clinical depression 14 years ago and had attempted to take his own life more than once. He recalled one of his most dangerous moments in the UK: “I’m not proud of these things,” he said. “It’s not a badge of honor.”
Ejoor explained that for a long time he lived without plans or hope. “I didn’t want to think about tomorrow. The worst question you could ask me was my five year goal. I didn’t even want to be alive tomorrow,” he said.
He also revealed that he initially ran from his diagnosis but later decided to share his story publicly after encouragement from a friend. The overwhelming support he received made him realize how much his story could help others.
The actor emphasized that speaking out about his mental health journey was not easy but necessary. His openness, he said, is a reminder that even public figures can experience deep personal battles and that telling one’s story can help break the stigma around mental health.
