Phenomenal Box Office Star Vice Ganda has opened up about his struggles with mental health and how he has been managing them through therapy.
The revelation came during the grand media conference for his upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2024 entry, ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’, under Star Cinema and The IdeaFirst Company.
Vice shared his personal experiences of being a breadwinner, a theme central to the film. He admitted that the immense responsibility of supporting his family has affected his mental well-being.
“Imposibleng hindi ka magkaroon ng mental health issues as a breadwinner,” Vice said. “‘Yung pakiramdam ng nag-iisa yun ang pinakamahirap. Hindi naman mawawala ang pagsubok sa buhay araw- araw, e, di ba? Pero marami tayong pagsubok na nalalampasan natin na madali kasi marami tayong katuwang. Pero kapag nag-iisa ka at alam mong wala kang maaasahan, ang sakit nu’n sa ulo. Ang hirap nu’n matulog, ang hirap nu’n mag-isip.”
The TV host-comedian also highlighted the difficulty of expressing emotions or finding someone to confide in, which he believes contributes to mental health struggles.
To cope, Vice revealed that he has been undergoing therapy, a step he considers vital in taking care of his mental health. “How did I cope up? I underwent therapy. Actually not underwent, I am still undergoing therapy. Nag-therapy ako noon at hanggang ngayong nagti-therapy pa rin ako. At yun ang isang bagay na hindi ko gustong ihinto parang ginagawa kong regular yung pagti-therapy kasi gusto kong matulungan ang sarili ko kasi marami pa akong gustong gawin kagaya nang breadwinners,” he shared.
Vice emphasized the importance of normalizing therapy, comparing it to visiting a dentist or dermatologist. “This is something na hindi ko masyado kasing nasi-share pa kaya nabigla ako (sa tanong), pero naisip ko, parang, ‘ano naman ang nakakahiya kung nagte-therapy ako?’ ’Di ba?,” he said.
In sharing his journey, Vice hopes to inspire others to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed. “It should be as normal as going to the derma kung may problema ka sa skin. ’Yung ganu’n. So, yeah, ‘yun. Para maharap ko at maalagaan ko ang aking pangangailangang mental, ako po ay nagte-therapy every now and then hanggang ngayon.”
Vice’s film, ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’, is one of the official entries in the 50th MMFF, premiering on December 25. Directed by Jun Robles Lana, the comedy-drama explores the challenges and sacrifices of breadwinners and features an all-star cast, including Eugene Domingo, Joel Torre, Jhong Hilario, Gladys Reyes, Kokoy de Santos, and Gina Pareño.
Vice’s advocacy for mental health, coupled with his comedic brilliance, makes him a beacon of hope for many who share similar struggles. ‘And The Breadwinner Is…’ is set to entertain and inspire audiences this holiday season.
