Trigger warning: This article mentions mental health struggles.
Following the death of his daughter Emman, Kim Atienza has a reminder for parents about the reality of mental health.
In an interview with Vicky Morales in “24 Oras” on Monday, the TV host and anchor said mental health deserves proper attention.
“Ang mga problema sa mental health ay tunay. Kadalasan, akala natin, umaarte lang ang mga anak natin. Kapag nakitaan n’yo ng symptoms, paniwalaan n’yo. Maaaring nag-e-express kadalasan ang anak natin at akala natin, ‘Ang arte n’yo,'” he said.
“‘Noong panahon namin, malalakas kami eh. Noong panahon namin, pinapalo lang kami, OK na kami eh.’ Iba sila ngayon. Iba sila. Ilagay natin ang sarili natin sa kanilang lugar. Dapat malaman natin na ang mental health ay talagang seryoso, at ang sakit sa utak ay talagang nakakamatay,” he added.
Kuya Kim said that upon learning of Emman’s passing, he was left with many questions and “what ifs” running through his mind.
“Noong unang mga araw, tinanong ko si Lord, ‘Lord, bakit? Bakit?’ But now, unti-unti lumalabas ang dahilan bakit binawi niya si Emman. Ang dami kong what if eh,” he said.
“Nagkulang ba ako sa oras na binigay ko sa anak ko? Nagkulang ba ako sa pangaral? I’m out here talking, telling people the gospel. Was I able to share enough to my family, to my kid? That gives me pain,” he added.
According to Kuya Kim, Emman left a note for them, but refused to read it because “it was going to be ugly” and they wanted to remember Emman for all the beauty and all the good things she left.
Emman’s passing was announced by Kuya Kim and his wife Felicia on October 24. She was 19 years old.
In what would be her last message on her Instagram broadcast channel, posted on September 1, Emman opened up about the pressures of social media.
In his interview with Jessica Soho, aired on “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” Sunday, Kuya Kim said he remains grateful for the “19 beautiful years” of Emman.
He also revealed that Emman was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Bipolar Disorder. —Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News
For those who need mental health support, the Philippines has several mental health hotlines and services. These include: DOH-NCMH Hotline: 0917-899-8727 or 02-7989-8727; Natasha Goulbourn Foundation Hopeline: 0917-558-4673, 0918-873-4673 and 02-8804-4673; and In Touch Crisis Line: 0917-800-1123, 0922-893-8944 and 02-8893-7603.