Funke Akindele Opens Up: “I Cried, Sought Therapy After Online Bullying”
Popular actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele.
Popular actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has encouraged Nigerians to speak up about their mental health struggles, revealing her own emotional battles with online bullying, family pressure, and grief.
Speaking during a #WithChude Live talk hosted by media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, Akindele shared how her public image of strength masked deep personal pain. Despite knowing the importance of therapy, she had avoided it for fear of judgment — until things nearly got out of hand.
“I was dying in silence because I was acting strong… I saw all the insults on social media, but I stayed tough. I almost lost it mentally,” she said.
The Breaking Point: Grief, Politics, and Online Mockery
The loss of her mother, heavy criticism from her political involvement, and social media attacks took a toll. She recalled how she broke down after watching a video of women mocking her for not having a husband. That moment pushed her to seek therapy.
“I cried and cried… Then I told myself, you need to speak to someone. You can’t continue like this,” she said.
Akindele began therapy and found healing in speaking to someone she could trust. “Things I couldn’t tell others, I told my therapist, “She added.
“I was dying in silence because I was acting strong. There’s no such thing as a strong person — you need to speak up.” — Funke Akindele
Online Accusations and a Dark Moment
Funke also remembered a painful episode during a family trip to Dubai. Following the death of actress Adejumoke Aderounmu, she was wrongly accused online of ignoring her colleague’s mental health struggles. Already dealing with depression, the backlash nearly pushed her over the edge.
“I locked the door and went live on Instagram. Some people lock the door and end their lives. I thank God I didn’t,” she revealed.
Akindele’s story is a reminder that even those who seem strong on the outside can be hurt inside. She encourages others not to bottle things up but to seek help and speak openly.
“There’s no such thing as a strong person. You need to speak up,” she concluded.
Takeaway: If you’re struggling mentally, don’t suffer in silence. Therapy helps. Speaking up could save your life.
