Growing Up Filipino, We Were Taught to Hide Our Struggles

Mental health is still difficult to discuss in many Filipino families. People may be told to pray more, stay busy, stop overthinking, or be grateful because others have it worse. Instead of receiving support, they may worry about being called dramatic, weak, or *baliw*. Many older generations survived hardship by pushing their feelings aside because they had very few choices or resources. That strength helped them survive, but silence is not always healing. Prioritizing mental health does not mean rejecting faith, family, resilience, or Filipino values. It means recognizing when someone needs compassion, support, and possibly professional help instead of judgment. What would have helped you feel safer discussing your mental health growing up? #FilipinoCulture #MentalHealthAwareness #FilipinoMentalHealth #GenerationalCycles #EndTheStigma