Award-winning Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about the emotional struggles she battles privately, revealing that she sometimes locks herself in a room to cry and break down.
The actress, known for her energetic personality and successful film career, said her cheerful public image does not always reflect what she goes through behind closed doors.
Akindele made the revelation during an interview with CNN Africa’s Larry Madowo, where she spoke candidly about dealing with overwhelming moments and finding the strength to carry on.
She disclosed that there are times when the pressures of life become unbearable, forcing her to retreat into her room, cry and even hit her bed before gathering herself to face another day.
“I cry. I lock myself in the room, cry, break down, hit the bed. But I just pick up myself and come back to life,” she said.
The mother of two also opened up about the emotional burden of living under constant public scrutiny, particularly over her failed marriages and relationship experiences.
She admitted that public opinion sometimes gets to her, making her question her decisions and worry about how people perceive her.
According to her, however, she has learnt to confront her challenges rather than allow fear of public judgement to hold her back.
“Sometimes I tell myself, ah, you’ve made a mistake again. How are people going to judge you? Do you care about that? Why don’t you just brace up, face it, face the challenges, move on in life?” she said.
The actress further revealed that experience has taught her to place greater importance on her mental health, personal happiness and family instead of allowing work to consume her entire life.
She stressed that professional success should not come at the expense of personal well-being and relationships with loved ones.
“You need to take care of yourself. You need to love yourself. You need to have time for your family, your loved ones, because as the work would go, the family would be there,” she added.
Akindele said prioritising her mental health over the years has helped her maintain a better balance between her demanding career and personal life.
She also disclosed that she is now paying more attention to her appearance and self-care, unlike in the past when she was almost completely consumed by work.
The filmmaker recalled how she could casually step out in cornrows, a face cap and slippers just to get to work, without bothering much about dressing up.
However, she said she is now making deliberate efforts to look good and rediscover herself, describing the change as an attempt to get her groove back.
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