Ycee Reveals Struggles With Bipolar Disorder That Paused His Music Career

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Ycee Opens Up About Bipolar Disorder Battle and Nigeria’s Mental Health Challenges

Rapper Oludemilade Martin Alejo, professionally known as Ycee, has shared his personal struggle with bipolar disorder and the difficulties he faced in accessing proper mental healthcare in Nigeria.

Diagnosis During Pandemic Lockdown
The artist revealed during a television interview that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2020 while in London during the COVID-19 lockdown. His diagnosis came after three months of hospital visits and multiple medical evaluations before doctors reached a conclusive result.

Treatment Challenges
Due to visa restrictions, Ycee returned to Nigeria to continue his treatment, only to face significant obstacles in accessing adequate care. He highlighted the stark contrast between mental healthcare systems:

UK System: Accessible mental health support services and dedicated helplines
Nigerian Reality: Severe shortage of qualified mental health professionals

“Unlike London where mental health received equal attention alongside COVID-19 awareness, Nigeria’s healthcare system has very few psychiatrists and psychologists even as of 2024,” Ycee noted.

Stigma and Public Perception
The rapper also addressed the persistent stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria, where conditions like depression are often dismissed as “rich people’s problems.” He expressed frustration at recent questions about why he continues to speak publicly about his experience.

Ycee’s candid revelation sheds light on the urgent need for improved mental healthcare infrastructure and reduced stigma in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Photo Credit: Nation news
[Image shows Ycee looking contemplative in a dark-toned portrait]

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