Depression in the arts: Time to take a serious look

LAST week, singer, S3fa, raised another issue of depression during her time on UTV’s United Showbiz, and this follows similar ones from other entertainers including Pappy Kojo, Adomaa, MzVee and most recently, Freda Rhymz among others.

Obviously, it’s just a few of these entertainers who have shared their stories openly but clearly, there are a lot more with the same condition which is affecting their state of their mind, their respective careers and their livelihoods.

Disappointingly, anytime any of these people come out to disclose their struggles with depression, we treat it with lack of seriousness and pay no critical attention to the gnawiing issue.

Depression is Real

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a common mental disorder. It is characterised by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It can also disturb sleep and appetite. Tiredness and poor concentration are common.

Depression is a leading cause of disability around the world and contributes greatly to the global burden of diseases. The effects of depression can be long lasting or recurrent and can dramatically affect a person’s ability to function and live a rewarding life.

The causes of depression include complex interactions between social, psychological and biological factors. Life events such as childhood adversity, loss and unemployment contribute to and may catalyse the development of depression.

Globally, over 250 million people regardless of culture, age, gender, religion, race, or economic status suffer from depression - says the WHO.

‘One Too Many’ Cases

Joy Onyinyechukwu Adomaa Serwaa Adjeman, popularly known as Adomaa had such a telling talent but for some reason, she went into oblivion, apparently due to depression. She shares her story:

“The darkest point during this period was when I attempted suicide. I tried to swallow some expired drugs, but God saved me that day.”

She recounts more: “I’ve always been an extremely private person; very secluded and by myself. I used to be very socially awkward; I hated going out and being the centre of attention. So, to suddenly go from that to becoming a ‘celebrity’, especially when you aren’t mentally prepared for all that comes with it, is a lot.”

MzVee took an unexpected break from the limelight, only to come back and share her depression nightmare.

“Fame can be really lonely. It looks very flashy on social media with all your fans, the people around you and the people you chill with but when all is said and done and you go home, you’re in your bed alone, who’s really there for you?”

Rapper, Pappy Kojo had his own experience with the mental disorder.

“From the time I released Awoa, I got into depression. It was very bad like I wouldn’t even go for shows; It’s just the work. I don’t think it’s healthy here. People expect you to be great and there aren’t structures for you to be great. It’s like telling me to be like Cristiano Ronaldo and we don’t even have stadiums. I don’t have to stress myself, you know.”

There’s also been tales of many other entertainers going through depression including Okomfo Kwadee, Christabel Ekeh, Abena Korkor, Funny Face and many others.

Spotlight Too Heavy?

Every entertainer craves the spotlight! In an attention-driven industry, the ability of the entertainer to grab attention to him/herself is critical.

That spotlight, the limelight, comes with quite a lot of ramifications. The demand to sustain the ‘shine’ and be in the spotlight takes a toll on the entertainer.

One should not be deluded by all the pump and pageantry that shroud most of these entertainers and all their hangers-on. When the curtains unfurl, these entertainers are alone—sulking in their sequestered lives, craving for love and affection.

Then comes the pressure!

The entertainer craving for the needed spotlight is under pressure to make it work, to succeed and the one who already has attained the spotlight is also under pressure to sustain dominance and relevance. Then there’s that group of entertainers who get a taste of the spotlight, fall off and try every means to get back to the top.

The pressure to satisfy the needs and demands of the industry and the urge to appeal to and appease the fan base drive most of these entertainers into mental agony.

Their failings invariably take them into an abyss of loneliness, despondency, apathy and every other characteristic that comes with depression.

Help!

Unfortunately for us as Ghanaians and especially for the industry, we have not placed premium on Psychologists and Psychiatrists. Therapy is alien to us; so, hardly do you hear entertainers seeking help for their mental instabilities.

Depression is real and is fast becoming a canker to the growth of our entertainers and the industry. It is time we make a critical analysis of the situation and find ways to surmount the problem.

We must shirk the habit of always treating certain behaviours of some of these entertainers as publicity stunts. Most of their actions are a call for help but most often than not, we exacerbate the problem by abusing and ridiculing them.

It is time to embrace the fact that, the condition is a dire one so we start creating the awareness for these entertainers to seek the necessary help whenever they get into that state.