Popular Nollywood actor, Chinedu Ikedieze, has called on Nigerians to prioritise their mental health and pay closer attention to their emotional well-being.
The veteran actor made this appeal during an exclusive interview with Punch Online on Sunday, stressing that mental health issues should never be taken for granted as many people silently battle internal and environmental challenges.
“We can’t take away mental health challenges from men and women,” Ikedieze said. “Either it’s issues from family or personal battles within yourself as a result of the kind of environment you find yourself. It takes a lot to be a man. Your discipline and self-control determine your reactions to life’s events. Regardless, speaking out to the appropriate body can reduce the pressure on one’s mental health.”
The actor revealed that he recently attended a mental health conference in Namibia, organised by Echoes Africa Initiatives, a New York-based charity organisation, where he participated as a guest delegate.
According to him, the event broadened his understanding of emotional discipline and self-awareness as tools for managing stress and life’s challenges.
“The awareness really made me understand the craziest side of life, especially in areas we often neglect. It was my first time witnessing people, victims, and experts share their experiences and solutions,” he noted.
Ikedieze described the experience as enlightening and urged more Nigerians to engage in open conversations about mental health through platforms such as workshops, media, and movies.
He concluded with a heartfelt message of encouragement:
“Feed your mind with positivity. And please, do whatever makes you happy. Life has no duplicate!”
