Vice Ganda Breaks the Stigma: Why Therapy Transformed His Mental Health Journey
VICE GANDA – Actor and host Vice Ganda courageously shares his journey of seeking therapy to prioritize his mental health and break the stigma surrounding it.
Vice Ganda openly shared that he has been undergoing therapy to address mental health challenges. “It’s impossible na hindi ka magkaroon ng mental health issues as a breadwinner,” Vice said during the grand media conference for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival entry And the Breadwinner Is…, where he stars as the lead.
He elaborated on the difficulty of feeling alone while shouldering responsibilities. “The feeling that you are alone in facing all the problems, that’s the most difficult part. The challenges are part of our lives. But we’ve endured these obstacles easily because marami tayong katuwang. But if you’re alone, at alam mong wala kang maasahan, it’s a headache. It’s difficult to sleep. Ang hirap nun mag-isip, especially when you couldn’t talk about it, you have no one to talk to and no one wants to listen to you. That would cause mental health issues,” Vice explained.
To address these struggles, Vice Ganda revealed he has been seeking professional help. “I want to help myself because I still want to do more things. Like for us, as breadwinners, I still have many dreams. Marami pang nakapasan sa akin.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining both physical and mental well-being, which is why he continues therapy. Vice expressed pride in taking this step, encouraging others to do the same without hesitation. “I am proud of it. And this is one thing na hindi natin dapat pinagdadalawang-isipan na gawin because going to a therapy or seeking help from a psychiatrist, psychologist or a professional will help you with your mental health issues.”
However, Vice clarified that his mental health challenges aren’t solely due to his role as a breadwinner. “I’m very blessed na hindi ako inoobliga ng pamilya ko, ever,” he declared. “My mother, nagtrabaho hanggang kaya niya. I’m the one who requested, ‘Nay, tama na. Ako naman.’ Even my siblings, hindi rin nila ako inobliga.”
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