Even celebrities struggle with depression.
Popular TV and film actress Nadine Lustre admitted on Instagram her struggle with the mental health condition early this morning.
“It may come as a surprise to you, but I have struggled with depression way back, and still am to this day,” the actress said in her caption.
“I have days where I’m just sitting in the tub, asking myself a lot of questions, confused.”
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“I felt like I was just looking in someone else’s life through a window. Feeling bad because I am not enough, and everything that I do and will do will never be enough. It’s not easy. I have days when I have to put a mask on, smiling, numbing myself from negative emotions, too often. I have already mastered the art of hiding it, I bet you never even noticed it.”
Lustre thanked her family and friends for helping her cope with depression.
“I’m thankful that I’m blessed to have a strong heart and clear mind, family who will always be my strength, friends who will always pull me up, love who will always guide me,” said Lustre, who is in a relationship with actor James Reid.
She encouraged those going through depression to open up to their loved ones.
“If anyone understands and cares about what you’re going through, it’s them,” she said, adding, “If you’re heartbroken, cry it out, okay? And then stop. Pick yourself up and dust it off.”
Talking to friends and family may have been effective for Lustre, but it’s important to note that consulting family or friends might not work for everyone, and would be best to consult an actual mental health professional.
Her post on depression comes after news of her brother’s suicide last Sunday. According to a story in CNN Philippines, her brother Isaiah Lustre, 16, was found dead at their Quezon City home. The family declined further investigation because they are convinced he committed suicide.
Depression became a hot discussion topic last week after Joey De Leon, host of popular noontime show Eat Bulaga, belittled a contestant’s elderly mother, who had been diagnosed with depression, calling the condition “made up.” Co-host and actress Maine Mendoza rebutted De Leon’s comments on the spot, telling him depression was “not a joke.”
READ: OPINION: After Joey De Leon’s apology, it’s time to have an honest conversation about mental health
Thankfully, after the social media backlash and being corrected by Mendoza, his wife, and daughter, De Leon apologized for his comments the next day.
If you or anyone you know suffers from depression or needs to speak to a mental health professional, the Department of Health (DOH) with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Natasha Golbourn Foundation has a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline. The Hopeline may be reached at (02) 804-4637; 0917-5584673; and 2919 for Globe and TM subscribers.
