Famous Nigerian author and feminist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has shared how depression affected her ability to write fiction.
In an interview with CNN Africa, posted on Instagram on Friday, Adichie described the period as one where depression cast a constant shadow, leaving her unhappy and unable to focus on her writing.
She explained that she tried to cover up her struggles by taking on more speaking engagements, hoping they might spark creativity, but often returned from them feeling worse.
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“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,” she said.
Adichie added that reading books and poetry helped her reconnect with language and her craft.
“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 noted.
The writer described her creative process as a spiritual experience, saying some stories come from what she calls messages from ancestors and spirits.
“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 explained.
Looking back, Adichie expressed gratitude for completing her latest novel and seeing it connect 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.”
