Actor Deyemi Okanlawon has spoken about the emotional weight men carry, saying he relies on a therapist and mentor before turning to his wife when pressure becomes unbearable.

Speaking on the CreativiTea podcast, Okanlawon said men are naturally conditioned to protect those around them, regardless of the cost to themselves.

"My job is to protect the people around me. If gbege happens here now, I'm going to step in front," he said.

He stressed that this instinct should not stop men from seeking emotional support when needed.

Okanlawon said he has deliberately built a support structure for difficult periods, with his therapist or mentor as first point of contact.

But when things get too intense, he goes to his wife.

"When the thing is just too hard, there's my wife. She's not the first because she's dealing with her own business and raising the family. But when it's hitting me too hard, I'll wake her in the middle of the night and tell her to help me," he said.