LAGOS, Nigeria — Acclaimed media entrepreneur and talk show host Chude Jideonwo has announced the upcoming release of his deeply personal memoir, How Depression Saved My Life, a book that explores his journey through mental health struggles, personal reinvention, and the pursuit of joy.
The book, set for global release in August 2025, reflects on Jideonwo’s experiences with depression, external success, and inner fulfillment and how he ultimately found light in the darkest moments of his life.
A Personal Story of Healing and Purpose
Jideonwo, best known for hosting the widely syndicated #WithChude talk show, expressed his excitement about the book’s release.
“When I saw this cover for my new book, I was screaming. First, I love it so hard—so hard. Second, I am too excited about this book. This is my most important message to the world today,” he shared.
Jideonwo also revealed that writing the book was a healing process in itself, one that gave him deeper closure and reaffirmed his belief in the power of sharing personal struggles.
“When I finished writing it, it healed me again,” he wrote. “And then I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that the world desperately needs this message.”
First Traditional Publishing Contract in 25 Years
Jideonwo described receiving a traditional publishing deal for the first time in 25 years as another confirmation of the book’s importance.
“I knew it when my publishers confirmed it by giving me my first traditional publishing contract in 25 years. And I knew again when I was done, and I threw my head back and wept,” he said.
Though How Depression Saved My Life is slated for an August 2025 release, the book is now available for pre-order at howdepressionsavedmylife.com and book.withchude.com.
“This is such a blessing to share with the world. Go pre-order now,” Jideonwo urged his audience.
#WithChude Live: Africa’s Biggest Talk Concert
Jideonwo also announced that he will not discuss the book publicly again until after #WithChude Live, an unprecedented talk concert featuring some of Africa’s most influential personalities including, Chimamanda Adichie, an acclaimed author, Funke Akindele, a Nollywood director and actor, Bovi Ugboma, a comedian and filmmaker, and Pastor Jerry Eze, the convener of the World’s biggest online prayer platform, NSPPD.
The live event, billed as Africa’s biggest talk concert, aims to bring conversations on mental health, purpose, and transformation to a wider audience.
A Voice for Mental Health in Africa
Jideonwo has long been an advocate for mental and emotional well-being through his company, Joy Inc., and his talk show #WithChude, which reaches over 8 million viewers weekly.
Through How Depression Saved My Life, he hopes to further de-stigmatize mental health struggles and inspire others to find their own path to healing and joy.
With the book’s highly anticipated release just months away, Jideonwo’s story promises to be a powerful addition to the global conversation on mental health, resilience, and personal growth.
