Akindele shared that while she recognized the importance of therapy early on, she initially hesitated to seek it. "Right from the start, I’ve always known that therapy is important, but I never submitted myself to it. You know, I’d be like, I don’t want anyone to hear about me. They’ll go and spread the gist. But I was dying in silence because I was acting strong." This reluctance, she explained, stemmed from a fear of vulnerability and public scrutiny.
The actress further elaborated on the mounting pressures she faced, stating, "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." This expectation to constantly project strength, while understandable given her public role, ultimately contributed to her internal struggles. "I’m a very strong person. I have that strength, my God. I would hold my face firm, oh yes. I saw all the insults on social media, all the posts, but I tried to stay tough. But I reached a point in my life where I almost lost it mentally," Akindele confessed, highlighting the severe toll that sustained emotional pressure can take.
Several significant life events contributed to her decision to finally seek professional help. Akindele recounted the profound impact of her mother's passing, whom she described as "my everything, my prayer partner." This loss, coupled with the intense backlash she experienced during her foray into politics and the public mockery of her personal life, created an overwhelming burden. "When Mum passed on — my everything, my prayer partner — the politics, the backlash, the insults, you know?" she said, illustrating the confluence of stressors.
A particularly painful incident involving online ridicule further propelled her towards seeking support. "There was one video I watched. They were mocking me, saying I don’t have a husband. Women dancing and mocking me. I broke down. I cried and cried and cried. Then I told myself, you need to speak to someone about this. You can’t continue like this. You need to speak up, you understand?" This pivotal moment of emotional breakdown served as a catalyst for change. "And I reached out, and I started speaking. I felt better. Things I couldn’t tell others, I told my therapist. And now I’m better. So I want to advise you out there: it’s very important for you to speak up. Yes."
Akindele also shared a distressing experience during a family holiday in Dubai, where she faced online accusations of neglecting the late actress Adejumoke Aderounmu, who had reportedly battled depression. "People called me out for something I didn’t do. They said, 'Wasn’t she in Jenifa? Why are you now feeling bad she passed on? She was depressed, and you didn’t help her.' And I was already depressed myself. I was bottling up so much." This incident underscores the often-unseen struggles that public figures endure and the potential for online narratives to exacerbate existing emotional pain.
Reflecting on her state during that difficult time, Akindele shared a chilling detail: "You know what I did? I took my phone, went into a room, and locked the door so that Juliana wouldn’t enter while I was doing the live video. I locked the door. Some people lock the door and end their lives. I thank God that I could lock the door and go live instead." This powerful statement highlights the precariousness of her mental state and her gratitude for choosing to connect with her audience rather than succumb to despair.
Concluding her heartfelt sharing, Funke Akindele emphasized a crucial message: "There’s no such thing as a strong person. You need to speak up." Her willingness to share her own vulnerabilities serves as a powerful encouragement for others to prioritize their mental well-being and seek the support they need.