Kemi Afolabi reveals struggle with mental health after diagnosis with lupus

Actress Kemi Afolabi has discussed her struggles with her mental health following her lupus diagnosis.

The 44-year-old took to Instagram to share a photo of herself receiving care at a hospital in the United States of America in honour of this year’s World Mental Health Day.

Following her lupus diagnosis, Kemi admitted that she experienced a mental breakdown and contemplated self-harm before being encouraged to keep going by those around her.

She wrote: “#Mentalhealth is real. Stop messing with people emotions by your actions or words. had mental break down when I got diagnosed with lupus. I everything I was going through, not having the strength to do the thingsI love the most made me wallowed in self pity.

“I never really showed my loved ones the peak of my breakdown. At some point did considered harming myself severally, I heard voices to mention a few. I’m 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 cannot change.

“Then 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. PLS 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.”

On March 11, it was reported that during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Kemi Afolabi disclosed she had been diagnosed with lupus. The actress also mentioned that her medical professional has given her only five years to live.

Following the news, a fundraising campaign for the actress was started by a number of famous people, including Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Mercy Aigbe, Yomi Fabiyi, Jaiye Kuti, and Day Amusa.