Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about her personal struggles and the challenges of dealing with public criticism.
Speaking in a recent interview with CNN Africa’s Larry Madowo, the actress disclosed that despite her lively and cheerful public image, she sometimes breaks down in tears when she is alone.
Akindele said there are moments when the pressures of life become overwhelming, forcing her to retreat to her room and cry. She added that she has learnt to place greater importance on her mental well-being, self-care and family rather than making work her sole priority.
”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. 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?. 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. I’ve noticed over the years that it’s not all about the work. You have to consider your mental health first, and that’s what I’ve done over the years, and it has helped me,” she stated.
Akindele also revealed that she has become more intentional about her appearance and well-being, rather than solely focusing on work.
“I’m kind of trying to catch my groove back. Now I’m more intentional about myself, making my hair, looking good. I was all about work. I could just come out with my cornrows and a face cap and slippers and just get to work. But now you can see me dressed so well to the office,” she added.