Maxene Magalona reveals she had complex PTSD, appeals to end mental health stigma

Maxene Magalona (Image: Instagram/@maxenemagalona)

Actress Maxene Magalona disclosed that she was diagnosed with complex post traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) to raise awareness and end the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Magalona recalled how a few years ago, she found herself under a lot of stress, anxiety and at times having rage episodes, according to her Instagram post last Wednesday, May 20. Determined to find the root cause of her problem, the actress found the courage to talk to a therapist.

“I’ve always wondered why it’s socially acceptable for people with physical illnesses to go to the hospital for treatment while those with mental health conditions have to hide and pretend like they don’t have it?” she said.

“I was an adult having embarrassing tantrums but I couldn’t really understand where all the anger was coming from,” Magalona added.

She remembered drunken episodes during which she would punch and kick doors, cry uncontrollably and scream. Magalona said this was the reason she stopped drinking. She also began seeking psychiatric help last year after overcoming some hesitation.

“I’ll admit that I was hesitant to go at first because I thought that psychiatric therapy was for people who were ‘insane,'” Magalona said. 

C-PTSD, according to Magalona, “is a psychological disorder that can develop due to prolonged and repeated interpersonal trauma.”

After she found out about the problem, Magalona took the necessary steps to heal, including regular therapy sessions, daily yoga, meditation, and prayer. The actress also stressed how important it is to take care of one’s mental health, especially during this time of pandemic.

“I remember going to The Medical City wearing a hoodie and baseball cap because I was ashamed to be seen at a psychiatrist’s clinic,” she said. “[But now,] especially with what’s going on in the world today, I believe it’s time we #endthestigma of mental health and start talking about it so that those who need help won’t be afraid to seek it.”

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Magalona advised those who are going through their own mental health struggles: “Remember that #youarenotyourmind and although thoughts can be overwhelming, trust that you have the power to heal your past traumas and pain.” 

Magalona is staying in Bali, Indonesia, with her husband, Rob Mananquil, during this quarantine period.

“Here in Bali, there are some stores and restaurants that are open and we are allowed to go out at our own risk,” Magalona said on April 21. “ONLY if and when we need to go out, we ALWAYS wear our washable masks which we were able to purchase in Japan a while back.”

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Magalona, who is a certified yoga instructor, is also conducting online yoga classes while people are advised to stay at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The actress has also clarified on several occasions that she does not have an eating disorder, attributing her lean figure to her vegan diet and her regular yoga and meditation.  /ra

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