Actress Kemi Afolabi has narrated her battle with mental health-related issues after she was diagnosed with lupus.
In January, she opened up on her diagnosis of the life-threatening disease and her struggles before she was flown outside the country for treatment.
The 44-year-old took to her Instagram page on Monday to reveal how she overcame the experience to commemorate this year’s World Mental Health Day.
The mother of one also accompanied the post with a picture of herself receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the United States.
The film star said after she was diagnosed with lupus, she experienced anxiety, and depression and considered subjecting her body to harm on several occasions.
The actress also said having great people around was instrumental to her recovery during the period.
She wrote: “#Mentalhealth is real. Stop messing with people emotions by your actions or words. I had mental break down when I got diagnosed with lupus. I experienced anxiety, exhaustion and depression,” she wrote.
“I hated everything I was going through, not having the strength to do the things I love the most made me wallowed in self pity.
“I never really showed my loved ones the peak of my breakdown. At some point I did considered harming myself severally, I heard strange voices to mention a few.”
“I am lucky to have great people around me who showed me genuine love which really helped my healing so fast and I am grateful for still breathing compared to those who are dead,”
“Then I made myself a promise that I was going to stop dwelling on something I cannot change. Then I started getting out of my head by accepting the new me.
“The way people move on from event will let you understand how life works! ‘Every man with his problems’.
“This is to encourage anyone going through something causing them mental breakdown. ‘Please get up and embrace the situation believing it will turn around for your good.’ Your breakthrough is near, start by being grateful you’re still alive.”