Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has spoken candidly about her mental health struggles, urging others to speak out and seek professional help when needed.
During a live appearance on the #WithChude talk series hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Akindele shared how public pressures and personal losses pushed her to the brink emotionally.
“From the beginning, I always knew therapy was important,” she said. “But I didn’t go for it. I used to think, ‘I don’t want anyone hearing about me. They’ll spread the gist.’ But I was suffering in silence.”
She explained that presenting a strong face only invited more scrutiny, saying, “At home, from family, at work, in society, they saw me as a role model. I held my face firm. But I saw every insult, every post on social media. And I tried to act tough, but I nearly lost it mentally.”
The death of her mother, coupled with political backlash and hurtful public commentary, made things worse.
“There was a video I saw, women mocking me for not having a husband. I cried uncontrollably. That was when I told myself I needed help. I began therapy. I spoke about things I couldn’t tell anyone. It helped.”
Akindele also recalled an incident during a family holiday in Dubai, where she was wrongly accused online of ignoring fellow actress Adejumoke Aderounmu, who later passed away. Akindele, herself struggling with depression at the time, described how painful the accusations were.
“People said, ‘Wasn’t she in Jenifa? Why are you now feeling bad she died? She was depressed and you didn’t help her.’ But I was depressed too. I took my phone, went into a room, and locked the door so Juliana wouldn’t see me. I went live. That’s how I let it out.”
Reflecting on that moment, she said, “Some people lock the door and end their lives. I thank God I locked mine and went live. Please, don’t keep it inside. Speak up.”
