Former Big Brother Naija housemate Samuel Jacob, popularly known as Sammie, has shared a deeply personal account of his struggles with depression following his exit from the reality show. In a candid Instagram video, the media personality peeled back the layers of post-show life, revealing the emotional and financial toll that fame can sometimes carry.
Behind the Spotlight: The Reality of Fame
Sammie described how, despite appearing fine on the outside, he battled depression multiple times during his first year after the show. Alone in his Lekki apartment, he often found himself crying, overwhelmed by the pressure to maintain a lifestyle that didn’t match his financial reality.
“There were days I would say God thank you. There were days I would say ah ah,” he said, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster. He recounted moments when his electricity meter beeped from lack of funds, and his bank alerts showed more debits than credits. “I was the so-called star boy, but I was not making money,” he admitted.
The Cost of Visibility
Sammie’s story highlights the financial strain that can follow reality TV fame. He shared how a single credit alert of one million naira would quickly vanish under the weight of recurring expenses. “Debits, debits, debits,” he said. “There was no money coming in, but there was a life to sustain, and it was messing my head up.”
He also spoke about the pressure of comparison seeing others in Lagos flaunting luxury cars and lifestyles, some of which he believes are fake. “You see one small boy pull up in his G-Wag and play. Everybody’s living,” he said. “Others are living fake life.”
Mental Health Matters
Beyond the financial and social pressures, Sammie emphasized the importance of mental health. He urged others to recognize that life after fame is still personal and must be managed with care. “How your personal life is influenced is determined by where your mental state or your mental health is,” he said.
His vulnerability serves as a reminder that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of public status.
Conclusion
Sammie’s story is not just about hardship, it’s about honesty. By sharing his experience, he sheds light on the unseen struggles behind the reality TV fame. His message is clear: fame doesn’t guarantee happiness, and maintaining mental health is important for navigating life’s highs and lows.
