Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Samuel Jacob, better known as Sammie, has opened up about his difficult journey through depression and financial instability in the year following his exit from the reality TV show.
In a heartfelt video shared on his Instagram page, Sammie got candid about the unseen challenges that came with sudden fame, revealing that behind the glitz and glamour associated with reality TV stardom, he was silently battling emotional and financial turmoil.
“A year after the show, I lost count of how many times I felt depressed. I would sit alone in my house in Lekki and just cry. A grown man like me with beards, crying and asking God why. Some days I’d thank Him, other days I’d just break down,” he confessed.
The reality star explained that, contrary to public assumptions, life after Big Brother Naija was not as glamorous as many imagined. He said the pressure to maintain a celebrity image while facing dwindling finances took a serious toll on his mental health.
“There was barely money coming in, but I still had a life to maintain. It messed with my head. I was getting more debit alerts than credit alerts,” Sammie said.
He revealed that leaving university to join the show had also disrupted his academic and career plans, leaving him uncertain about his next steps.
“I was in Lagos, trying to live up to the ‘star boy’ tag, but there was no real income,” he said.
Sammie added that one of the hardest parts of the experience was seeing others around him seemingly succeed while he struggled in silence.
“You’d see young guys pulling up in their G-Wagons while I will now chop my indomie, wear my fine shirt, nobody will know what I’m going through,” he reflected.
Despite the dark moments, Sammie noted that his experience has reshaped his outlook on fame, resilience, and self-worth. He said he now values authenticity and mental well-being over public perception, urging fans to remember that “not everything they see online reflects reality.”
His story sheds light on the hidden struggles faced by many reality TV stars after the spotlight fades, a sobering reminder that fame doesn’t always translate to financial freedom or emotional stability.
