"I was not okay. I left my house in Asaba at 3 a.m. and started walking around Lagos. I didn’t know where I was going or why." With these haunting words, Nollywood actress Chacha Eke has opened up about a deeply personal chapter of her life, a chapter marked by confusion, pain, and a silent battle with mental illness. In a raw and emotional confession, Chacha revealed how her struggle with bipolar disorder once led her to wander aimlessly across cities, cross borders into Ghana under a fake identity, sleep on beaches and in hotels, and even destroy things without knowing why. "I hated my people so much during that time, and I didn't know why. Looking back now, I feel ashamed. But I have forgiven myself. It was not me, it was the sickness," she wrote. These are not just words. They are the voice of someone who has walked through fire and is choosing to rise from the ashes. In a society where mental illness is often ignored, misunderstood, or silenced, Chacha’s story is both heartbreaking and powerful, a call for empathy and awareness. Too many people are suffering in silence, afraid to speak out or seek help. But Chacha has decided to stop hiding. "I have bipolar disorder. But I am not hiding anymore. I am healing, and I want to help others understand that mental illness is real." This is more than a confession, it is a mission. We must remember that mental illness is not a character flaw, a weakness, or a curse. It is a health condition that needs compassion, support, and treatment. Chacha’s courage reminds us that healing begins with honesty. And that nobody, no matter how famous or strong they appear, is immune to emotional storms. To Chacha: You are a beautiful soul, and we pray that God continues to strengthen you. Your story will save lives. Thank you for being brave. To anyone reading this who is struggling: you are not alone, and help is real. Let’s talk about mental health. Let’s remove the shame. Let’s stand with one another.