By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
Nollywood star and Nigeria’s box office queen, Funke Akindele, has shared her journey of surviving online bullying and its impact on her mental health.
During an emotional interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo on his Live Talk show, Akindele revealed the toll social media criticism took on her despite her strong public image.
The mother of twins explained that various factors, including the death of her mother, political backlash, and mockery over her failed marriage, led her to experience mental health struggles.
Akindele admitted that she had always tried to maintain her strength in the face of adversity, but the weight of public judgment became overwhelming. “I was dying in silence because I was acting strong,” she said. “Every time I showed strength, they threw more at me—at home, from family, at work, in society. You’re the role model for a lot of people out there.”
The turning point for the actress came when she watched a video mocking her lack of a husband, which caused her to break down in tears. “I cried and cried and cried. Then I told myself, you need to speak to someone about this. You can’t continue like this,” she shared.
It was at this moment that Akindele decided to seek therapy, a decision that helped her regain her emotional stability. “When I started speaking to a therapist, I felt better,” she said, emphasizing the importance of mental health support. “It’s very important for you to speak up. Yes.”
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