Gone are the days when the subject matter of mental health has been taboo. As we take baby steps towards being a more progressive and inclusive country, we're taking action and trying our very best to normalize conversations regarding this topic.
Fellow Filipino celebrities have also been bravely speaking up and utilizing their platforms to raise awareness, inform and educate, and normalize being vulnerable. This mental health awareness month, they have taken various strides to provide safer spaces for people to bask in their feelings and promote the idea that it's okay not to be okay all the time.
As they open up and share with everyone their healing process, others realize that there is a wide range of things out there that can help us. It also opens them up to the reality that mental struggles manifest differently for every person and that kindness should be at the core when approaching any human.
Check out these celebrities who are advocates of mental health below.
First on the list is Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and Sparkle star Michelle Dee. Having brothers with Autism Spectrum Disorder and being a graduate of psychology, Michelle has always been passionate about the topic of mental health and mental disorders. She uses her platform to create more awareness about autism and mental health and supports various organizations with the same initiative.
Former 'The World Between Us' star Kelley Day has been an open book when it comes to her mental health struggles. On her social media platforms, she shares her experiences as well as provides helpful information to those who are going through the same as her. She acknowledges the fact that people cope differently but extends a helping hand as much as she can.
Queen of Creative Collaborations Heart Evangelista also had her fair share of mental health struggles. Over time, Heart learned the value of self-care and protecting one's peace. From time to time, she would share with her YouTube followers the steps she took to better care for herself and prioritize her mental health.
'Voltes V: Legacy' star Carla Abellana is one of the many celebrities who, in their small ways, are using their voice to give light to mental health and self-care. Carla's Instagram feed is filled with validating, encouraging, and hopeful content that gives you that extra push.
Due to the pressures of society and the constant bashing that comes with being an actress, Jasmine Curtis-Smith also had her fair share of mental health struggles. As she deals with it though, she acknowledges her privilege. It's not a one-size-fits-all and Jasmine attests to that.
Kapuso actress and host Maine Mendoza is loved by many not only because she was the other half of the love team AlDub but because she always speaks her mind and isn't afraid to take a stance when needed, especially when it comes to matters regarding mental health. She has always been a supportive figure to many and along the way prioritizes her mental health as well.
Model, actress, and beauty queen Kylie Versoza is best known for being an advocate of mental health. Before, during, and even after her reign as a beauty queen, Kylie continuously takes on initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. She even established her own organization called Mental Health Matters PH to further extend help to those who are struggling mentally.
Actress Nadine Llustre is also one proud advocate of mental health. Everyone's been aware of the mental struggles she faced through the years as she's been vocal and open about them. Despite the things she's been through, Nadine continues to help out others all while balancing protecting her peace.
'Pinas Sarap' and 'I-Witness' host and veteran journalist Kara David is also one vocal personality when it comes to mental health. Recently, she revealed details regarding her mental health struggles and how she's been dealing with them. A few years ago, she and her 'I-Witness' team also made an award-winning documentary regarding the subject matter to raise awareness and help inform others.
Kapuso actress and host Solenn Heussaff is also one of the celebrities who have been vocal about their mental health struggles. She went through postpartum depression and had anxiety attacks in the past due to a lot of mixed reasons. She continuously advocates talking about themes like this to raise awareness and spark more conversations among others.