Nigerian actress and model Beverly Osu has shared her struggles with depression following her role in the critically acclaimed Netflix film Òlòtūré.
In a candid interview with BBC Pidgin, Osu revealed that the intense nature of her character led to an identity crisis, plunging her into a three-month bout of depression.
Osu explained that as a method actress she fully immerses herself in her characters, making it challenging to detach from them after filming ends. “What we are is what they call method actors. I can’t just read a script, execute it, and then in two days become another person. It takes a lot of mental detox before I can enter into another character,” she said.
Osu’s experience with depression was a result of her deep involvement in the film. “When I shot Òlòtūré and left the set, I was depressed for three months because of an identity crisis. I was trying to search and piece together fragments of Beverly in order to bring myself back,” she added.
However, this experience has profoundly impacted Osu, shaping her interest in mental health and inspiring her to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being. She emphasized that many people, particularly in Nigeria, tend to overlook mental health issues, which can have severe consequences.
Through her platform, Osu encourages others to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed. Her advocacy stems from her own experiences and the positive feedback she’s received from fans. “I’ve noticed that many people neglect it. I hear testimonies where people tell me, ‘Beverly, the way you carry yourself inspires me,’ or ‘What you said helped me understand myself before trying to understand others.’ Those words give me joy,” she said.
Osu’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health, especially in the entertainment industry where actors often take on intense roles that can impact their well-being. By sharing her struggles, Osu hopes to inspire others to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed.
