Journalist TJ Manotoc wants to give hope; shares video on overcoming depression

Journalist TJ Manotoc revealed how he overcame his depression in a video he recently uploaded on YouTube.

The video, which he entitled “You Will Be Alright”, was also shared on his Twitter account, and chronicled his history with depression, starting from his childhood on to adulthood.

In the video, the ABS-CBN network journalist spoke of personal and intimate experiences, such as when his father left him in 1980 when he was just a kid, and what it felt like to grow up without a father.

According to Manotoc, it took a year for his tell-all video to be put together, thanks to the help of his dear friends and family. He also shares that it took him years to realize that his depression was in actuality a blessing in disguise.

“It took me 27 years to figure it out but now I know my pain was my biggest blessing,” wrote Manotoc on his Twitter page. “It’s time to share my story of survival to give others hope!”

In the first two minutes of the video, Manotoc explains what depression is. “It’s more than just a bad mood,” said Manotoc. “Depression is a serous mental health condition. It’s triggered by various things. There’s genetic, there’s biochemical, there’s environmental and there’s psychological factors.”

Despite acknowledging the fact that people’s views on him may change because of social stigma, Manotoc still chose to share his story.  He said he got inspired because of a man named Max Ricketts, who he met 27 years ago when he had his first depressive episode. Ricketts suffered from depression as well, yet survived and lived a normal and happy life. Manotoc figured that if Ricketts can do it, then so can he.

“As a journalist, I have lost count how many stories of suicide and depression I have reported,” wrote Manotoc on his YouTube account. “I feel it’s about time it’s talked about not just in the context of someone dying, but also in the context of giving hope.”

Image: Screengrab from YouTube/You Will Be Alright

“Find a support group, understand and accept that this is happening for a reason,” advises Manotoc in the end of the video. “And never ever, ever give up.” JB

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