Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about her private battles, revealing that she often breaks down in tears behind closed doors despite her cheerful public persona.

Akindele made the revelation during a recent interview with CNN Africa’s Larry Madowo.

According to the filmmaker, there are moments when life becomes overwhelming and she retreats to her room to cry.

“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 spoke about the pressure of living under public scrutiny, particularly with constant discussions about her marriages and breakups.

She admitted that she sometimes questions her decisions and worries about public judgement.

“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.

Akindele noted that over the years, she has learnt to prioritise her mental health, self-care and family over work.

“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.

“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.”

The award-winning actress also disclosed that she is now more intentional about her appearance and well-being, unlike before when she focused solely 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 said. (The Nation)