Real Talk

Mental Health Matters By Kylie Verzosa Has Become A Family Mission

by Alexa Villano
October 29, 2024

In an exclusive interview with Modern Parenting, Raquel Verzosa, mother of Miss International 2016 and actress Kylie Verzosa shares how the topic of mental health has become her family’s advocacy

The topic of mental health has been discussed in recent years following the effects of the pandemic. But before the pandemic, Miss International 2016 and actress Kylie Verzosa shed light on the topic when she spoke about being clinically diagnosed with depression. Fast forward after her reign, Kylie together with her parents established Mental Health Matters, an organization dedicated to spreading the importance of mental health and how one can help those with mental health conditions.

Modern Parenting reached out to Kylie’s mom, Raquel Verzosa, who shared how discussing mental health has become a mission for their family, sharing their experiences with organizations and the support parents can give to their loved ones.

About Mental Health Matters

Mental health became a core mission of Kylie as a titleholder. Armed with the platform, she established Mental Health Matters, which started on Facebook. Raquel Verzosa explained how she and her husband Ari are in the organization.

“My family is composed of speakers who go around the Philippines sharing Mental Health Awareness (MHA) with universities, schools, companies, LGUs, and others,” Raquel said.

Unlike before when the subject of mental health was rarely discussed, more are now advocating for it and Mental Health Matters is one of the platforms.

“While it is true that many parents are not aware of mental health awareness, especially when their children experience it, or themselves, there are many platforms now that share awareness that they can join,” Raquel explained. The FB page ‘Mental Health Awareness by Kylie Verzosa’ is one of them.”

Mental Health Matters has a support group that is by application. Those who would like to join must answer questions. ” We want to maintain this as a safe place for those who struggle with mental illness, whatever it may be,” Raquel shared.

Helping overcome stigma

When the subject of mental health comes up, people before tend to shrug it off. Raquel notes that those who struggle bottle it up for fear of judgment.

“People will talk about it when you see a psychiatrist—meron kang mental problem. Stigma such as ‘may sira, may topak, and may sayad are some terms that make strugglers keep things to themselves.”

“People can be mean and judgmental, which is why they withdraw from the world, stay in their rooms, and avoid talking to people,” she added.

Kylie speaking about her diagnosis was a big step forward for the family. “My daughter was just brave enough to admit that at one point in time, she experienced clinical depression. She made it as her advocacy and bravely faced whatever judgments people had of her.”

“As an advocate, she was not ashamed to share. If it would help other people and save lives, then she was doing something good.”

Raquel, Ari, their daughter Chelsea, and other members of MHM go around the Philippines to talk about their experience, educating schools, companies, and NGOs about the importance of mental health. If she is not busy with her showbiz and business commitments, Kylie also does talks.

“We receive many invites to talk. If my husband is available, he easily agrees to go and give talks. My other daughter Chelsea goes to different universities as well to give talks. I come to the seminars during the ‘caregiver’ talk. It is also challenging for caregivers if the strugglers have challenging times,” she shared.

“Our goal is to prevent suicide because each life is important. If in every talk we have, we can save a life then that trip and talk already paid off. “

Spreading awareness and the role of parents

While they have been busy at Mental Health Matters, it doesn’t mean they did not face challenges. During the pandemic, they saw a rise in help, which they accommodated as much as they can.

There are also the challenges of accommodation and flying to far areas for talks, which sometimes they have declined. Nevertheless, the organization is optimistic for their plans in 2025.

“We will continue giving seminars on mental health awareness,” Raquel answered. “We hope there will be kind people who can help [us] with finances on fares, gas, accommodations. We have done it on our own, but it is not enough. There have been many requests for us to do more talks.”

Raquel also emphasized the importance of parents in educating their children about the importance of mental health.

“Parents play a vital role as they serve as caregivers. More love, patience, and understanding are needed in dealing with their loved ones. Awareness is important. What they say matters,” she said.

“They should be more comforting, loving, and never harsh on their words. Dealing with someone with any form of mental illness is truly challenging. Sometimes, you would give up because you don’t know what to do or say. But they should never give up. Their kids look up to them for comfort. Sa kanila sila humuhugot ng lakas kaya di sila dapat bumigay.“

Don’t be afraid to ask help

As a parent, Raquel has this to say to people going through mental health issues. ” The best they can do is to seek professional help. A psychiatrist can help because talk therapy is also essential. If they need medicine, the psychiatrist can also prescribe meds. Other health professionals can help as well.”

“Huwag susuko, huwag binitaw, pero kailangan humingi ng tulong. Suicide is the last thing any parent would want to happen to their loved ones. This could be prevented if parents are aware.”