Ubi Franklin talks depression: There’s never a right time to commit suicide

Ubi Franklin, founder of Made Men Music Group (MMMG), shared a personal history of depression at the Joy masterclass.

Themed ‘Dealing with Depression’, the masterclass focused on the principles of human flourishing, well-being and living a life leveraging positive emotions, healthier habits and powerful self-awareness practices.

Speaking at the event, Franklin shared stories about his previous suicidal thoughts.

He explained the need to avoid creating negative pictures in the mind or attaching importance to specific dates that represent bad moments, but instead use such days or moments as an impetus for success.

“There’s never a right moment to commit suicide. It’s all about the mind,” he said.

“Depression is usually created through silent pressure which will create a negative mindset, perception, or the compulsion to live our lives in order not to disappoint our parents, families or communities.”

Also at the event, Banky W shared a deeply personal exploration of how he dealt with and overcame depression.

The singer recommended a “love yourself enough to try” attitude to life.

In a joint session, Gbonjubola Abiri, a psychiatrist, medical doctor and member of Joy, Inc.’s advisory board, and Gbemisola Ogunrinde, a psychologist and member of the Central Working Committee at Joy, Inc. engaged participants on therapeutic mechanisms towards preventing and overcoming depression.

“No one is immune to depression, so as long as you have a brain, you can succumb to it,” Abiri said.

“Some people are vulnerable due to their biological condition, or any other facet, which many therapists have to look out for.

“It can also be a combination of different factors, so it becomes necessary that to address the issue, every professional needs to find out the source of the problem.”

Ogunrinde added that “victims of depression need to open up and talk to people – that way, it becomes easy to identify the problem”.