Former Big Brother Naija star Sammie Jacob, popularly known as Sammie, has bared his heart in a touching revelation about his life after fame, opening up on his battles with depression, loneliness, and the immense pressure that followed his exit from the BBNaija reality show.
The reality TV star, who rose to prominence during the “Shine Ya Eye” edition of the show, shared how the spotlight brought both blessings and unseen emotional burdens. Speaking candidly in a recent Instagram video, Sammie emphasized that mental health struggles are real, even for celebrities who appear to have it all together.
According to Sammie, life after BBNaija was far from the glamorous perception many fans had. He said that while social media made it look like he was living the dream, the reality was that he faced long nights of worry, isolation, and self-doubt. “Everyone is fighting a personal battle even when they smile,” he said, stressing that peace of mind is worth far more than likes, fame, or validation from people online.
‘I faced depression, broke days and loneliness’
Sammie went on to recount the darker days that followed after the show, revealing that he sank into depression several times. He recalled crying silently in his Lekki apartment, unable to share his pain with anyone. “There were nights I just sat in the dark, crying, thinking of how I got here. People thought I was fine because I posted nice pictures, but I was drowning inside,” he said.
He added that the pressure to keep up appearances, maintain a certain lifestyle, and meet expectations from fans and brands made life unbearable at times. “There were days I had no light, no cash. I would cry, then cook my noodles, wear a fine shirt and step out smiling. Nobody knew what I was going through,” he revealed emotionally.
Life after BBNaija — The tough reality
The ex-housemate explained that one of the hardest parts of post-BBNaija life was the sudden transition from being a regular person to becoming a public figure overnight. The fame came without a manual, and the financial expectations from the public became a heavy weight on his shoulders.
“There was a time I checked my alerts—debit, debit, debit everywhere, only one small credit alert,” he said with a touch of humor, adding that despite his struggles, people still assumed he was wealthy and living the celebrity dream. “They didn’t know I was just trying to survive like everyone else.”
Sammie also opened up about how isolation worsened his mental state. He mentioned that the fear of being judged made it hard for him to talk about his struggles. “As an ex-housemate, people expect you to always look rich and happy. If you speak your truth, they call it clout chasing,” he lamented.
‘Mental health matters more than fame’
In his heartfelt message, Sammie urged young people and celebrities alike to prioritize their mental health over societal pressure. He stated that fame without peace of mind is empty and that seeking help when overwhelmed should never be seen as weakness. “Your mental health is everything. Don’t fake happiness to please people who don’t care,” he advised.
He also called on fans to show more empathy towards celebrities, explaining that behind the glitz and social media posts are real humans facing daily challenges. “We are all fighting silent battles. Be kind, because sometimes that smile you see hides pain,” he concluded.
Sammie’s openness has since earned him admiration and support from fans and fellow ex-housemates, many of whom praised his courage for speaking up about mental health — a topic often ignored in the entertainment industry.