Image: Facebook/Pia Wurtzbach
Pia Wurtzbach spoke about adopting healthier habits amid her struggles with depression and anxiety, as she marks the end of Mental Health Awareness month.
The Miss Universe 2015 titleholder opened up on how social media makes it appear as if she has a “perfect” life when in fact it is not so, as seen on her Facebook and Instagram pages yesterday, Oct. 28.
“I know the content I share paint a picture of a life that’s problem free. But for sure, most of you know already that social media isn’t 100% ‘real life.’ The photos [or] videos we post are all very carefully curated,” she said.
Wurtzbach was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder during her reign as Miss Universe, and she has since gone on “a journey of learning, healing, sometimes falling off track, and then bouncing back again.”
“Nowadays, I’ve learned and adapted healthier habits that help manage my emotions, but it’s not to say it’s all smooth sailing because it never really just goes away. There’s no magic cure,” she told fans. “You just learn how to get better at managing it.”
In addition to finding ways to cope, Wurtzbach has also learned that she is “truly blessed” to have received support which helps her deal with her daily struggle.
“Everyday, I wake up and I have to make a choice. I could either let this stop me and consume me for the rest of the day (possibly snowball into the rest of the week or so) or I could choose to do what feels right for me,” she narrated. “Lately, the good thoughts have been winning, but the fact that I have to choose everyday is exhausting.”
Wurtzbach advised fans to “take it one day at a time” and celebrate their “little victories,” such as fulfilling promises made to friends and texting people back amid overwhelming tasks.
“Wins don’t have to come in the form of a crown, a big work opportunity or trying to run a marathon. Wins are those moments where I choose to get out of bed instead of staying in and consuming media all day,” she said.
“So here’s to winning everyday! And here’s to staying strong and focused. Ignore all the noise,” she added. “…Not everyone will understand or even believe you, especially if they’ve never experienced it for themselves. Or who knows, they might actually be struggling too. Let’s keep winning everyday.” /ra
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