Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Yewande Adekoya, has sparked widespread conversation online after advising intending couples to take mental health and psychological assessments before walking down the aisle.
The actress, known for her outspoken views on relationships and family values, stressed that love, prayers, and compatibility alone may not be sufficient foundations for a successful marriage in today’s complex social environment.
Adekoya made the call in a video shared on social media, where she addressed individuals preparing for marriage and urged them to embrace scientific tools alongside spiritual guidance.
According to her, many marital crises could be avoided if couples are more intentional about understanding each other’s psychological and emotional state before committing to lifelong unions.
Mental Health Evaluations Before Marriage Can Prevent Future Crises
Speaking passionately, Adekoya explained that mental health evaluations before marriage are not signs of distrust or spiritual weakness but rather responsible steps toward building stable homes.
She argued that psychological well-being plays a crucial role in decision-making, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and long-term compatibility between partners.
The actress revealed that the message stemmed from a moment of deep personal reflection, which prompted her to speak out publicly.
She noted that many couples often focus on prayers, fasting, background checks, and medical tests while overlooking mental health assessments that could reveal critical information about a partner’s emotional makeup.
According to Adekoya, personality tests and psychological evaluations can help couples understand whether their partners are neurotypical or living with conditions that may significantly affect marital life.
She mentioned disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, depression, narcissism, and other mental health challenges as factors that should not be ignored when making marital decisions.
“Knowing what you are dealing with helps you prepare for the kind of marriage you are entering,” she explained, adding that such knowledge does not necessarily mean ending a relationship, but rather making informed and realistic choices.
Refusal to Undergo Tests May Signal Deeper Issues
One of the strongest points raised by the actress was her warning to couples whose partners resist mental health assessments.
According to her, outright refusal to participate in personality or psychological evaluations could serve as a red flag that should not be dismissed lightly.
She argued that transparency and openness are essential qualities in marriage, and anyone unwilling to take basic steps toward emotional accountability may be hiding issues that could later destabilise the relationship.
In her words, embracing science is not a rejection of faith but a complementary approach to building healthy marriages.
Adekoya encouraged couples to see mental health evaluations before marriage as preventive measures, much like routine medical check-ups.
She noted that understanding a partner’s emotional strengths, weaknesses, and triggers allows couples to manage expectations and develop healthier communication patterns.
Growing Conversation Around Mental Health in Relationships
The actress’s message has resonated widely, especially as conversations around mental health continue to gain prominence in Nigeria.
In recent years, mental health advocates have consistently highlighted the impact of untreated psychological conditions on marriages, parenting, and domestic harmony.
Experts have long argued that early assessment and awareness can help couples seek professional support, set boundaries, and develop coping strategies where necessary.
While mental health conditions are not automatic deal-breakers, professionals stress that awareness and willingness to seek help are key to sustaining healthy relationships.
Adekoya’s intervention adds a celebrity voice to an issue often discussed quietly, bringing it into mainstream discourse.
Her message also reflects a growing shift toward more intentional relationship planning, particularly among younger Nigerians who are increasingly open to therapy and psychological wellness.
A Call for Balanced Faith and Practical Wisdom
In closing, the actress urged couples not to ignore inner doubts or warning signs while planning their weddings.
She emphasised that faith, love, and commitment must be balanced with practical wisdom and emotional preparedness.
As debates continue online, her message has reignited important discussions about compatibility, accountability, and the role of mental wellness in marriage.
For many observers, the call to embrace mental health evaluations before marriage represents a timely reminder that strong marriages require both spiritual grounding and emotional intelligence.
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