Rabiya Mateo, the Filipino beauty queen turned TV host, has publicly shared a candid account of her struggle with depression and anxiety. In a heartfelt post dated January 16, 2025, Mateo revealed that she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxious distress. Her admission marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about mental health in the Philippines and around the world, reminding readers that even public figures face invisible battles.
Trigger warning: This article discusses depression and related mental health topics.
What Mateo Shared
In her social media post, Mateo described the diagnosis with honesty and humility, emphasizing that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of outward success. She explained that every day during the period of her illness felt like a struggle simply to survive. The confession underlines how depression can drain energy, cloud judgment, and diminish motivation, making simple daily activities feel insurmountable.
Mateo also discussed the anxious distress component, noting that persistent worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances can accompany major depressive disorder. By naming她’s experiences, she aims to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help rather than suffer in silence.
Why This Matters
Public figures using their platform to discuss mental health can have a powerful ripple effect. Mateo’s openness helps normalize conversations about depression and anxiety, which are often misunderstood or minimized. In many communities, admitting to mental health struggles remains taboo, and stories like hers can
encourage friends, family, and fans to check in on their own well-being or that of loved ones.
Experts say that recognizing symptoms early—such as persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and recurring thoughts of hopelessness—can lead to timely intervention. Treatment for major depressive disorder with anxious distress typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and, in some cases, medication. While the path to recovery is varied, many people experience meaningful improvement with support and professional care.
A Message of Resilience
Mateo’s post also carried a message of resilience. She emphasized that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Her experience underscores the importance of building a support system—family, friends, therapists, and healthcare professionals—who can provide encouragement during difficult days.
Mental health conversations are increasingly intersecting with celebrity culture, social media, and public life. While the internet can amplify anxiety for some, it can also offer resources, community, and validation for others who feel isolated by their struggles. Mateo’s transparency contributes to a broader movement toward mental health literacy and accessibility of care.
Practical Steps for Readers
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression or anxious distress, consider these steps:
– Reach out to a trusted person and share how you’re feeling. You don’t have to face it alone.
– Seek professional help from a licensed mental health professional or your healthcare provider.
– Establish a routine that includes sleep, meals, physical activity, and time for rest.
– Limit exposure to distressing information and take breaks from social media when needed.
– Learn grounding techniques or mindfulness practices that can ease anxiety and improve mood.
Closing Thoughts
Rabiya Mateo’s journey is a reminder that mental health does not discriminate. Her candor invites dialogue, reduces stigma, and reinforces the idea that seeking help is a courageous and necessary step toward recovery. As conversations expand beyond private conversations to public awareness, more people may feel empowered to pursue the care and support they deserve.
If you or someone you know is struggling, resources are available in many countries including hotlines, local mental health services, and online therapy platforms. Remember: taking the first step toward help can change the trajectory of a difficult day and, over time, your life.
