Erica from Big Brother Naija reveals the impact of the show on the mental health of housemates

On this week’s episode of #WithChude, former Big Brother Naija housemate, Erica Nlewedim sat down with host, Chude Jideonwo to revisit her experience on the show. 

Recounting the dramatic explosion that led to her disqualification, Erica revealed how intoxication coupled with cumulated mental stress pushed her over the edge. 

“When I saw the video, I was shocked. It was alcohol, but then there were other times I have had alcohol and that didn’t happen, so it was more than that. Let’s just say alcohol and mental stress.” 

Asked what led to the accumulated mental stress, Erica said: “I felt like I only had one friend. I was only getting positive energy from that one friend.” 

The well-loved reality show puts the focus on a set of people for 90 days, and while fans enjoy the spectacle on TV, housemates are under pressure 24/7 to deliver. 

“It takes a toll on you,” Erica said. 

#WithChude is a special series of targeted multimedia conversations and investigations focused on narratives that enable and strengthen the mind, heart, and spirit. New episodes of #WithChude show every Saturday at 9pm on TVC Entertainment, with reruns every Sunday on Wazobia TV at 5pm and every Thursday on EbonyLife TV at 7:30pm.  

An extended play podcast is up on Spotify, iTunes, among other podcast platforms every Wednesday at 10:00am. Everyone can join the conversations. 

The full interview with Erica can be viewed here.