Nollywood actress and art curator Chidera Adiele has made an emotional appeal for public support as she opens up about her younger brother’s seven-year battle with drug addiction and mental health struggles.
In a tearful video shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday, July 29, Adiele revealed that she has been carrying the burden of caring for her brother for years and has reached a point where she desperately needs assistance.
According to the actress, her brother’s challenges began in 2019 after he gained admission into the University of Lagos. She explained that his condition became more severe a few months into his first academic session in 2020, leaving the family searching for solutions.
Adiele disclosed that her brother has received treatment at several psychiatric facilities over the years, including the New York Psychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta, the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Concept One, a facility in Gbagada, a hospital in Benin, and the 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Yaba.
She explained that despite the various attempts at getting him medical help, the situation has remained challenging.
“A few months into his first academic session in 2020, my brother went mad. I tried not to bring this whole thing to the media space, but I’m drowning and genuinely need help,” she said.
The actress added that her brother was recently discharged from a psychiatric facility after spending three months there because the hospital could no longer keep him indefinitely. Following his release, the family sought spiritual intervention by taking him to Zion Ministry, but his condition reportedly became worse shortly after.
Adiele, who described herself as the first child of the family, said she has been her brother’s main caregiver throughout the difficult period. She revealed that she moved away from the family home five years ago to protect her daughter from the instability caused by her brother’s condition.
However, she said circumstances changed after her family received a quit notice from their landlord, forcing them to move in with her.
Expressing her exhaustion, the actress said she feels overwhelmed by the responsibilities placed on her.
“They’ve brought this drama back to me and worse is I have been his primary caregiver since all of this started. I’ve been the one taking him to all these hospitals,” she stated.
Adiele also shared heartbreaking experiences of her brother wandering around Lagos streets without clothes, adding that strangers often contacted her whenever they found him.
She further expressed disappointment over having to handle the situation largely on her own, saying she feels neglected despite the sacrifices she has made for her family.
“I’m done being the sacrificial lamb. I’m done being the one who has to take care of everybody and nobody cares about me,” she said.
The actress explained that the high cost of accommodation in Lagos has made it difficult to find another place for her brother, while her daughter continues to struggle with fear due to the situation.
Ending her emotional message, Adiele appealed to individuals and organisations who may be able to assist her family.
“I’ve done what I can do. I’ve carried him everywhere that I can carry him to… I’m tired. Please, I’m drowning. I need help,” she pleaded.
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Read some comments below:
@Okeke chinonso thankgod:”It’s time we go back to our roots, as an igbo woman you are, we have tradition and some you people will follow in our traditional way you where in Lagos hoping to get the cure. Well we can’t force you guys to do the needful.”
@NEW ERA:”You sure say no be she they psych because how she ended up talking more about yourself instead of the sick brother”
@Nata:”Is it the public that will take her brother to Psychiatric hospital? Take serious family issues out of social media unless she wants click and content”
