Vice Ganda opens up about mental health therapy

MANILA, Philippines — Vice Ganda admitted to undergoing therapy for mental health reasons.

“It’s impossible na hindi ka magkaroon ng mental health issues as a breadwinner,” shared Vice during the grand media conference of the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival official entry, “And the Breadwinner Is…,” where the comedian is the lead star.

“The feeling that you are alone in facing all the problems, that’s the most difficult part. The challenges are part of our lives. But we’ve endured these obstacles easily because marami tayong katuwang. But if you’re alone, at alam mong wala kang maasahan, it’s a headache. It’s difficult to sleep. Ang hirap nun mag-isip, especially when you couldn’t talk about it, you have no one to talk to and no one wants to listen to you. That would cause mental health issues,” continued Vice.

To cope with such issues, Vice disclosed that he is seeking professional help.

“I want to help myself because I still want to do more things. Like for us, as breadwinners, I still have many dreams. Marami pang nakapasan sa akin.”

He maintained that he wants to stay healthy not only physically but also mentally. That’s why he has been undergoing therapy until now.

He was not ashamed to admit that he was going through it. “I am proud of it. And this is one thing na hindi natin dapat pinagdadalawang-isipan na gawin because going to a therapy or seeking help from a psychiatrist, psychologist or a professional will help you with your mental health issues.”

According to Vice, it “should be as normal as going to the dentist” or “going to the derma if you have a skin problem.”

However, Vice clarified that the cause of his mental health issues is not about him being a breadwinner. “I’m very blessed na hindi ako inoobliga ng pamilya ko, ever,” he declared. “My mother, nagtrabaho hanggang kaya niya. I’m the one who requested, ‘Nay, tama na. Ako naman.’ Even my siblings, hindi rin nila ako inobliga.”

Vice admitted that he had issues in the past, especially when he was younger, that he wants to address. “Especially what I went through when I became an actor and the things that I’m going through right now,” he added.

“It’s not actually me being a breadwinner. Kasi ako yung may pinakalamalaking kinikita sa bahay namin. But it’s not an obligation. It’s my will. I want to share because marami akong sobra ngayon.”

The topic of being a breadwinner was raised since it was the premise of the MMFF film. “And the Breadwinner Is…” is directed by Jun Robles Lana and co-produced by Star Cinema and The IdeaFirst Company.

The drama-comedy movie is a story for and about breadwinners as it explores their joys, pains, struggles, and realizations.

“And The Breadwinner Is…” revolves around a selfless and confidently beautiful breadwinner named Bambi (Vice) who has committed her entire life as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Taiwan in order to provide for her dysfunctional family.

When Bambi returns home to reunite with her family after many years, she is greeted with an underwhelming welcome by her loved ones who are burdened with problems and in debt. In the hopes of finally turning their dream life into reality, Bambi gambles on a promising opportunity for a chance to claim P10M – but it comes with a life-changing price.

The cast members also include Malou De Guzman, Joel Torre, Jhong Hilario, Gladys Reyes, Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings, Kokoy De Santos, Lassy Marquez, MC Muah, Via Antonio, Kiko Matos, Argus Aspiras, Kulot Caponpon and Eugene Domingo.

“The story is very personal.  Kaya ‘yung iyak, sigaw, at hagulgol, hindi ko na inarte. Naisigaw ko para sa breadwinners, naiiyak ko ‘yung matagal nilang kinimkim,” said Vice.

(“And The Breadwinner Is…” will be screened in cinemas nationwide beginning Dec. 25).