Elijah Canlas stresses the importance of mental health
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Actor Elijah Canlas recently affirmed the crucial importance of mental health.
In an interview with GMA Integrated News Interviews, Elijah shared that the discussion about mental health is close to his heart because of his family's experience in the past.
In 2023, Elijah's brother, JM Canlas, passed away. His family noted that JM struggled with mental health issues.
The loss of JM inflicted immense pain and scarring on his family.
To keep his memory alive and present in their lives, Elijah and his family established a mental health organization called 'Kalinga Unawa at Lingap sa Isip at Taglay' or 'KULIT: The JM Canlas Organization'.
The organization's name was derived from the nickname Elijah had for JM.
“I used to call JM, my brother, 'Kulit'. Sobrang kulit po niya; sobrang masiyahin, sobrang kulit, pilyo, lahat na. Kaya 'Kulit' ang nickname niya sa pamilya and close friends,” Elijah explained.
This organization, established by Elijah and his family, aims to create a 'safe space' and help young people who are experiencing mental and emotional struggles.
“'Yung mga makukulit, you'll never know what they're really going through,” sabi ni Elijah.
He further emphasized that there should be a focused and continuous discussion on the importance of tackling mental health matters, especially increasing the public's awareness about it.
“We focus on mental health awareness and we focus on art therapy and sports therapy kasi si JM ay varsity ng badminton. Dinadaan namin sa sports and fundraising; and sometimes makabuo ng enough funding para makapagbigay ng libreng therapy para sa mga adolescents, 'yun po talaga ang focus namin,” Elijah said.
“S'yempre mga seminars for parents, para maging aware din sila kung paano i-handle ito,” he added.
He also left a message to everyone: “Sana 'wag kayo matakot mag-open up to your loved ones, your friends; and maybe seek professional help kung 'di na talaga kaya. And if may kilala kayong pinagdadaanan 'to, please be there for them. It's the least we can do.”
Along with managing the organization they established, Elijah is also busy with his projects, especially the recently released movie, KMJS' Gabi ng Lagim The Movie. He is featured in the story titled "Berbalang", alongside Kapuso actress Sanya Lopez.
Related Gallery: Elijah Canlas Holds Intimate Tribute For Late Brother JM , Teases New Rap EP
