Nollywood star Chinedu Ikedieze urges Nigerians to prioritise mental health
Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, widely recognized as Aki, has urged Nigerians to place greater emphasis on mental health awareness.
The actor emphasized that emotional well-being holds equal significance to physical health and advocated for increased awareness efforts.
During a statement made on Sunday, Ikedieze remarked that mental health issues should not be overlooked, as numerous individuals face personal and environmental challenges in silence.
He stated, “We cannot disregard mental health challenges faced by both men and women. Whether it stems from family issues or personal struggles due to one’s environment, these challenges are real.
“Being a man requires a great deal of effort. Your level of discipline and self-control can significantly influence your actions and reactions to life’s circumstances. Your emotions can be affected by how you manage them. Nonetheless, reaching out to the appropriate support can alleviate the strain on one’s mental health.”
The actor mentioned that he recently participated in a mental health conference in Namibia, organized by Echoes Africa Initiatives, a charity based in New York, where he was a guest participant.
Ikedieze noted that the event enlightened him on the significance of emotional discipline and self-awareness in managing life’s stresses.
“The awareness has truly helped me comprehend the most challenging aspects of life, particularly in areas we frequently overlook. It was my first experience witnessing individuals, victims, and experts share their stories and the solutions that were offered,” he remarked.
He further stated that the experience was invaluable and encouraged more Nigerians to partake in open discussions about mental health, utilizing platforms such as workshops and films to reach broader audiences.
“Cultivate positivity in your mind. And please, engage in activities that bring you joy. Life is unique!” Ikedieze advised.
In recent years, Nigeria has experienced an increasing dialogue surrounding mental health, driven by a rise in cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide, especially among the youth and public figures.
Experts have repeatedly cautioned that the country's lack of mental health awareness and insufficient access to care pose significant obstacles to tackling this crisis.
Public figures have also started to share their personal challenges and emphasize the importance of empathy.
Nigerian artist Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, widely known as Iyanya, has called on fans to exhibit greater understanding towards celebrities, reminding everyone that fame does not protect them from emotional difficulties.
In a message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the Your Waist singer characterized the life of a celebrity as “a double-edged sword.”
“We must recognize that celebrities are individuals with profound emotions and challenges just like anyone else. Beyond the media's glamorization of their lives and personas lies a person who is simply asking for the same humanity that we all seek. It is indeed a double-edged sword,” Iyanya expressed.
Ikedieze’s appeal contributes to the increasing advocacy for mental health awareness among Nigerian entertainers, many of whom are now leveraging their platforms to promote open discussions and emotional support within the community.
