Chinedu Ikedieze Opens Up on Battling Depression Over Stunted Growth Diagnosis

Popular Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, fondly known as Aki, has revealed how he once struggled with suicidal thoughts after being diagnosed with stunted growth as a child.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

In a recent interview, Ikedieze recounted his childhood ordeal, explaining how his mother took him to the hospital, where doctors informed her that he had “stunted growth” or “growth retardation.”

In his words:

“I remember my mom taking me to the hospital when I was around nine years old. I think I was sick. The doctor told her, ‘Madam, stop worrying yourself. He has no problem. Just make sure he reads his books, goes to school, and be there for him.’”

“That hit me hard. The doctor said, ‘Madam, what he has is stunted growth.’ Then he wrote something on a report, and I saw another word: growth retardation. I didn’t even know how to pronounce it. That was when I started hearing those words over and over again.”

Overcoming Pain and Mockery

Ikedieze revealed that growing up with his condition was incredibly difficult, as people mocked him and called him names, leading him to cry in his room multiple times.

“People taunted me. I cried several times. They called me names. It got so bad that, at times, I thought of ending it all.”

Despite the pain, his mother encouraged him to focus on education, as physical labor was not an option for him. He took her advice to heart and worked hard in school, believing education was his best weapon to conquer the world.

From Struggles to Stardom

Today, Chinedu Ikedieze is one of Nollywood’s most celebrated actors, proving that determination and self-belief can triumph over adversity. His story serves as an inspiration to many who are struggling with self-acceptance and societal pressures.