VIDEO: I cried, sought therapy after online bullying — Funke Akindele

Funke Akindele, a popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker, has encouraged people to speak up about their mental health issues and seek therapy.

During the #WithChude Live chat, sponsored by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Akindele disclosed that, despite her public image of strength, she had been privately struggling with emotional suffering and online bullying.

She said, "I've always known that treatment is necessary, but I've never gone through it. You know, I'd say, "I don't want anyone to hear about me." They will go and spread the word. But I was dying quietly because I was acting strong.

"Every time I demonstrated strength, they threw more at me – at home, with family, at work, and in society. You are a role model for many people out there.

"I am a really strong person. I possess that strength, my God. Oh, I would hold my face hard. I saw all of the insults and remarks on social media, but I tried to keep strong. But I got to a point in my life where I almost lost it psychologically."

She described how her mother's death, political backlash, and public mocking of her personal life all had a negative impact on her mental health, prompting her to seek therapy.

The actress went on, "When Mum passed away—my everything, my prayer partner—the politics, the backlash, the insults, you know?

There was one video I watched. They were teasing me, claiming I didn't have a husband. Women danced and mocked me. I broke down. I kept crying and crying. Then I reminded myself, "You need to speak with someone about this." You cannot go on like this. Do you realize you need to speak up?

And I stretched out and began speaking. I felt better. My therapist heard things I couldn't tell anyone else. And now I am better. So I want to encourage you to speak up. Yes."

She also described a particularly difficult experience during a family vacation in Dubai, when she was accused online of ignoring a fellow actress, the late Adejumoke Aderounmu, who had apparently fought with depression prior to her death.

Akindele stated, "People called me out for something I did not do. They asked, 'Wasn't she in Jenifa? Why are you feeling bad now that she has died? She was depressed, and you did not help her. I was already depressed. I was holding back so much.

"Do you know what I did?" I took my phone, entered a room, and closed the door so Juliana couldn't enter while I was filming the live video. I locked the door.

"Some people lock the door and take their own lives. "I thank God that I can lock the door and go live," she said.

Reflecting on that occasion, Akindele underlined the significance of vulnerability, adding, "There is no such thing as a strong person. "You should speak up."