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GMA Documentary show iWitness host Kara David revealed that she has mental health issues and that one of the ways that she's been dealing with them is by joining marathons and triathlons.

In her interview on the Updated with Nelson Canlas podcast, Kara revealed that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental illness that causes sudden shifts in a person's mood, activity levels, energy, and concentration.

“Matagal ko na yong alam na I have bipolar disorder. And kapag meron kang ganung klaseng kondisyon, 'yong manic depressive one way para hindi naman ma-cure, pero mamanage mo 'yong iyong mental health issues mo ay to go into sports,” she said.

She added, “To go into activities na nakakapagbigay ng natural endorphins."

According to Kara, “'Yong manic depressive kasi ano siya magshu-shoot up ka nang masayang masaya, tapos magka-crash ka nang malungkot na malungkot. So ang gusto mong mangyari 'yong hindi ka masiyadong masayang masaya, tapos biglang babagsak ka made-depress ka nang bonggang bongga. Ang gusto mo 'yung medyo banayad ka lang nang ganiyan.”

While she needs to manage her hormones to control her mood, Kara said that she did not want to depend on medications, that's why she's been following the advice of her doctor, and that is to “find activities that will release natural happy hormones.”

“So my conscious effort on my part to be active at maging talagang marami talagang gagawing mga exercise para talagang ma-force 'yong aking hormones to produce happy hormones,” she said.

Kara David then revealed how she started going to the gym, and even played badminton but after injuring her knees, she was advised to try swimming, where she met actor Onemig Bondoc, who was looking for a female swimmer to join their triathlon team.

“So naghahanap lang sila ng babae na magsi-swim na hindi naman kailangan malakas, basta 'yung maitatawid lang niya 'yung dalawang kilometrong langoy sa dagat. So, e nagsi-swim ako di ba, dahil after badminton, so kinuha nila akong swimmer.”

She added, “And then eventually, na-realize ko parang bakit ako magsi-swim lang, kaya ko naman tumakbo, so naging swimmer and runner ako. Tapos sabi ko mag bike kaya ako, so naging swim-bike-run. So ngayon nagta-triathlon na ako.”

Her joining marathons and triathlons have helped her with her mental health issues.

“Also was very dependent on meds before. Pero ngayon, hindi na ako nagme-medicine, I manage my mental health issues with enough exercise, 'yung mga activities for happy hormones,” she said.

Kara reminded everyone that if they know someone who might be suffering from depression or any mental disorders, they should encourage them to go to a doctor and get a proper diagnosis. She also reminded everyone to not be afraid of their condition and to use it to their advantage.

“Ako, I've learned to embrace my condition, my mental health condition and use it to my advantage. Basta alam mo lang kung papaano mo siya ima-manage,” she said.

MEANWHILE, HERE ARE OTHER CELEBRITIES WHO COMPETED IN MARATHON AND TRIATHLON RACES: