Popular Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and politician Funke Akindele has sent out an emotional and powerful message encouraging people facing mental health struggles to speak up and seek help rather than suffer in silence. In a heartfelt post shared via her verified Instagram account on Friday, June 20, 2025, Akindele declared boldly: “Suicide is not an option.”
The Battle on Buka Street producer and star shared a moving note aimed at reminding individuals battling depression and suicidal thoughts that they are not alone, and that hope and healing are possible if they open up and ask for support.
“Let them say you’re oversharing! Let them think you talk too much! But speak up! Because when you’re alive, there’s a solution,” she wrote. “Silence can be deadly, but words can save.”
This emotional appeal arrives in a period where conversations around mental health and suicide prevention are gaining momentum in Nigeria and across the globe. Akindele’s post serves as a beacon of hope for many who silently endure psychological distress due to fear of stigma, cultural expectations, or lack of awareness.
Funke Akindele, who boasts millions of followers across her social media platforms, has often used her influence to raise awareness about mental health, domestic violence, and social challenges affecting Nigerians. In this latest message, she urged fans to value their lives, believe in their strength, and recognize their worth:
“You are stronger than you think. You are braver than you feel. You are loved more than you know. Speak up, stay alive!”
Akindele’s sincerity struck a chord with thousands online. Her post, tagged with the hashtags #SuicideNotTheOption and #NoToSuicide, quickly went viral, sparking hundreds of supportive comments and emotional testimonies from fans who shared how her films and words have helped them through tough times.
Mental health remains a major public health concern in Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria ranks among the countries with the highest suicide rates in Africa, with depression, unemployment, substance abuse, and domestic violence cited as major triggers.
Despite growing awareness, access to mental health care remains limited, especially in rural areas. Mental illness is still largely misunderstood, and many suffer in silence due to the social stigma surrounding psychiatric conditions. In many Nigerian communities, depression and suicidal ideation are wrongly dismissed as spiritual afflictions or personal weakness.
Public figures like Funke Akindele speaking out play a vital role in normalizing conversations around emotional struggles and encouraging people to seek professional support.
Following her post, many fans took to social media to praise Akindele for her courage and compassion.
One follower wrote:
“Thank you, Aunty Funke, for saying what so many of us needed to hear. You may have just saved a life.”
Another said:
“This message came right on time. Depression is real, and more people need to speak out like this.”
Funke Akindele’s message is not just a social media post — it’s a call to action. As a high-profile celebrity, her voice resonates beyond entertainment and into advocacy. By sharing this message, she reinforces the idea that mental health support must become a priority in public discourse and policy.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic uncertainty, youth unemployment, and social instability, addressing mental health challenges is more urgent than ever.