‘Depression is real’: PH celebrities speak up on mental health

Iza Calzado, Anne Curtis and Ryza Cenon. Image: Instagram/@missizacalzado, @annecurtissmith, @iamryzacenon

The recent tragic deaths of designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, has sparked once again a movement in raising awareness on mental health.

Both were prominent figures in their respective fields and faced mental health struggles amid their successful careers.

The news shook people around the world, including those in the local showbiz industry. Beyond mourning the two lives now lost, celebrities used their platform to discuss the importance of mental health and help remove the stigma on mental illness.

Actress Iza Calzado shared a post which said, “Hey warrior, keep going,” and the numbers to  Hopeline, the Department of Health’s suicide hotline.

Hopeline can be reached via landline (02) 8044673 and mobile phone 09175584673. Globe and TM subscribers can dial 2919 to reach it.

“Remember that when you’re screaming inside… No matter the noise or no matter how loud it is, someone is out there to listen. Always,” said actress Lovi Poe on getting help.

Remember that when you’re screaming inside… No matter the noise or no matter how loud it is, someone is out there to listen. Always. 🙏🏽

— Lovi Poe (@LoviPoe) June 8, 2018

Musician Jim Paredes posted a similar reminder: “To all depressed people out there. Pls reach out. Many people may not entirely understand your situation but they are aware of your suffering and want to help.”

https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/1005079974326427648

Actress and host Anne Curtis reminded people to also be the ones to extend help. “Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade all in a week,” she lamented.

“Depression is real and we never know what people might be going through every day. Be kind. Take time to talk. Ask how your friends are… It just might make a difference,” she urged.

Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade all in a week 💔 Depression is real and we never know what people might be going through every day. Be kind. Take time to talk. Ask how your friends are.. It just might make a difference 💔

— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) June 8, 2018

Television host Bianca Gonzalez shared one of her vlogs about determining if one has depression: “Just leaving this here in case you, or someone you know, might be going through something.. I sincerely hope it helps even a bit..” she said on Twitter.

The vlog published in October 2017 features psychiatrist Dr. Lovie Go-Chu who discusses the symptoms of depression versus the normal feelings of sadness.

Just leaving this here in case you, or someone you know, might be going through something.. I sincerely hope it helps even a bit..https://t.co/RZ4XSTLaQA

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) June 8, 2018

Ryza Cenon hit home with her own experience of depression, and related that it wasn’t as simple as asking for help or praying it away.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjxMX_TnlYt/?utm_source=ig_embed

“Madaling sabihin na humingi ng tulong pero mahirap gawin kaya nga ang gusto nila mag isa at mag isa nila haharapin at tatapusin minsan,” she said. “Wag nyong hintayin lumapit at humingi ng tulong dahil hindi mangyayari yun.” 

(It’s easy to say that someone should ask for help but it’s hard to do, which is why they want to face it on their own and end it on their own sometimes. Don’t wait for the person to come to you and ask for help because that doesn’t happen.)

“Sakit sya na on and off na minsan akala mo ok ka na pero babalik sya ulit,” she said.

(It’s an illness which comes on and off, sometimes you think you’re OK but it will come back.)

Cenon explained how words could be powerful: “Kaya dapat isipin din natin yung lumalabas sa bibig natin na baka hindi tayo aware yung taong sinasabihan mo may mabigat palang dinadala at nasasaktan mo na.”

(This is why we should think of what comes out of our mouths. We might not be aware that the person we’re speaking to is burdened and is being hurt.) JB

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