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Maxene Magalona opens up about her relationship struggles due to mental health

By Cara Emmeline Garcia
Published October 12, 2020 11:19 AM PHT

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Rob Mananquil and Maxene Magalona


Maxene Magalona shares how her complex post-traumatic stress disorder has affected her marriage with her husband Rob Mananquil.

“When I moved in with @robmananquil, it was honestly like living in a war zone,” said actress Maxene Magalona as she opened up about how her mental health issues have affected her relationship with her husband Rob Mananquil.

"To put it quite frankly, yoga was the perfect exercise for someone like me who was suffering from mental health issues like anxiety, emotional trauma and anger management. At first, I wasn't even aware that I had these serious problems! Yoga really helped not just tone my body but also clear my mind and open my eyes to the problems that I had been experiencing deep within. What started as a simple physical practice slowly became my spiritual and mental healing." Opened up about my weight loss journey in a recent interview with @previewph. Talked about how I was able to do it and what motivates me to continue this newfound lifestyle. Some people don't like the way I look now but they probably just don't know that I actually feel so healthy and happy on the inside. Link is in my bio for those who want to read it! Thank you so much! 🖤 #selfcaresunday

Isang post na ibinahagi ni Maxene Magalona-Mananquil (@maxenemagalona) noong

In a lengthy post made on Sunday, October 11, Max enumerated the many things she and Rob have experienced during their first year of marriage before being diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder or C-PTSD.

She cited, “When he would try to tell me something in a kind and gentle manner, I would explode and react negatively because it was about something that reminded me of my past. I would instantly lash at him and then cry afterward because I felt horrible for the way I treated him.

“Unfortunately, this went on for a few years because I wasn't aware that I had mental health issues, I was unconsciously abusing my husband by projecting my traumas onto him.”

Maxene went on to detail about her “adult tantrums” that included “punching doors and kicking walls.”

By seeking professional help and doing yoga, Maxene said she was able to regain control of her life.

“I admit that I still get triggered sometimes but thanks to yoga and meditation, I am able to catch myself before I react,” she said.

“Although it takes time, these natural methods help me practice non-reactivity. I'm grateful I chose this holistic path instead of taking medications as I really believe that in order for me to cure my mental health disorder, I need to pull the weeds from within and heal from the inside out.

“It will take a while but this is the least that I can do for my family.”

Do you often find yourself getting upset over small reasons? Do you tend to overreact and act impulsively especially when you become irritated or agitated? Do you sometimes feel like you are under attack and immediately go on fight or flight mode? Chances are you may be getting triggered due to past traumas but you just don't know it. Triggers are usually warning signs that there is a deep psychological wound within that needs your attention. When I moved in with @robmananquil, it was honestly like living in a war zone. When he would try to tell me something in a kind and gentle manner, I would explode and react negatively because it was about something that reminded me of my past. I would instantly snap and lash out at him and then cry afterwards because I felt horrible for the way I treated him. Unfortunately, this went on for a few years. Because I wasn't aware that I had mental health issues, I was unconsciously abusing my husband by projecting my traumas onto him. 💔😞 I had such a difficult time managing my anger and rage that I was already punching doors and kicking walls! 🤯 I was having the most unattractive “adult tantrums” and just couldn't bear to live with myself any longer. I decided to take control of my life and began seeking professional help. This is one of the main reasons why I have been dedicating so much of my time and energy on holistically healing my past wounds. I admit that I still get triggered sometimes but thanks to yoga and meditation, I am able to catch myself before I react. Although it takes time, these natural methods help me practice non-reactivity. I'm grateful I chose this holistic path instead of taking medications as I really believe that in order for me to cure my mental health disorder, I need to pull the weeds from within and heal from the inside out. It will take a while but this is the least that I can do for my family. So whenever you get triggered, be thankful because those triggers are actually your teachers. If not for my triggers, I wouldn't have known about my psychological wounds and probably would have never gone to therapy. #WorldMentalHealthDay 📸 @mangored_studios

Isang post na ibinahagi ni Maxene Magalona-Mananquil (@maxenemagalona) noong

In a follow-up post, Maxene dedicated her caption to her husband who has been by her side through both the best and worst of times.

“Honoring my dear husband @robmananquil who has seen me at my absolute worst and still chooses to stay by my side and accept me for all that I am,” she said.

“I sincerely apologize for all the times that I unconsciously projected my traumas onto you. Please know that I never meant to cause you pain and suffering.

“Thank you for your seemingly endless patience. Thank you for being my conscious partner.”

She continued to say that Rob is probably “God's greatest gift” to her because he participated in her healing.

“I consider you as God's greatest gift to me as your love has truly been the greatest form of therapy for my healing. Thank you for opening my eyes, for awakening my spirit, and for making my soul sparkle,” she concluded.

For better or for worse, in sickness and in health. 🙏🏼 Honoring my dear husband @robmananquil who has seen me at my absolute worst and still chooses to stay by my side and accept me for all that I am. I sincerely apologize for all the times that I unconsciously projected my traumas onto you. Please know that I never meant to cause you pain and suffering. Thank you for your seemingly endless patience. Thank you for being my conscious partner. Without you, I wouldn't have had the courage to continue. I am eternally grateful for your precious energy that brings so much magic into my life. I consider you as God's greatest gift to me as your love has truly been the greatest form of therapy for my healing. Thank you for opening my eyes, for awakening my spirit and for making my soul sparkle. ✨ To all the brave souls who choose to stick it out and make things work with their partners who suffer from mental health conditions instead of giving up when things get really tough and challenging, I salute each and every one of you. On behalf of those who struggle with mental health problems, thank you so much. 🙏🏼 Words are not enough to express our utmost gratitude. God bless your kind hearts. 🤍 #WorldMentalHealthDay 📸 @theproudrad

Isang post na ibinahagi ni Maxene Magalona-Mananquil (@maxenemagalona) noong

Maxene's series of posts is in relation to #WorldMentalHealthDay, a movement she's been advocating since opening up about her mental health struggles last year.