Chacha Eke Faani, a talented actress known for her roles in Nollywood, has recently opened up about a terrifying “manic episode” she experienced a year ago. In an emotional Instagram post shared on June 2, Chacha Eke revealed her mental health struggles and the challenging time she went through.
Around this time last year, Chacha Eke recalled waking up at 3 am and feeling extremely unsafe at home. This marked the beginning of a manic episode that lasted for months. During this difficult period, Chacha Eke resorted to desperate measures in an attempt to escape her distressing situation.
She said “Slide 1 photo was me by this time last year-1st June 2022. I was in the middle of a manic episode that lingered for months. One day, I woke at 3am feeling unsafe and ran vigorously to a nearby motor park. I travelled to Lagos from Asaba like a fugitive.
Loitered the streets/hotels and beaches in Lagos for days. It was a rough blend of schizophrenia, depression, identity crisis and bipolar disorders. Using this “made-up” Identity card of me from one of my imaginary companies; I headed for Ghana by boat. Clad in black jalabia, I kept moving. I passed border after border; terrified & unrecognized.
In that moment, I was a “Drifter”. It was at First bank in Ghana through a lovely bank staff named “Esther” that somehow, I remembered me. I remembered home. Esther was an Angel the universe used to open my eyes to the reality I disconnected from. I began to make my way back home. It took days but I returned, albeit sickly & in denial”
Now, one year later, Chacha Eke reflects on her experience with a mixture of relief and thankfulness.