Just a few months ago, Paulo Avelino got candid on Twitter about a close friend he had lost to suicide as well as his own battle with depression. The normally private actor shared such intimate details about his life in the hopes of encouraging others to always be compassionate. In a recent Instagram post, Paulo opened up once again with the aim of spreading awareness about mental health.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ee2EgHjEu/
(Paulo Avelino Opens Up About Almost Taking His Own Life, Mourns Death of Close Friend)
He began by reaching out to those reading his post and letting them know no one is alone: “RARELY do I share personal stuff on my social media accounts but I think its time I talked about this dark period in my life because I know that someone out there is going through the same thing. I want you to know that everybody has issues and sometimes you seeing other people have them will help you cope with your own.”
Then, Paulo began detailing his personal struggles: “Years back I found myself in a place where I only saw one way out. I went through a spiraling journey of Depression and suicidal thoughts. Where everything seemed like nothing matters anymore. Locked myself at home, turned down almost every job that came in and shut myself off from work, friends, family, the world.”
“I am [an] introvert. And as an introverted person, I was so used to keeping my thoughts to myself. Even when I wanted to share stuff, I truly didn’t know how to. I didn’t know how to voice out all these feelings and thoughts inside me,” he continued. “So here I am sharing with you guys that even the people who appear to be okay or who seem to “have it all” might be going through their own struggles, fighting their own demons.”
He ended by emphasizing that we should never be afraid or ashamed to seek out help, in whatever form that may take. “Please, don’t be afraid to reach out to your friends, family, and loved ones. Often times people will brush it off thinking it’s nothing to be concerned about or it’s a small matter. Don’t be scared to voice out what you feel no matter how hard it is. Never lose HOPE,” Paulo wrote.
(Need some help? Here’s our directory for mental health hotlines, support groups, and more)
Paulo also encourages that people “reach out and call Hopeline” should they feel uncomfortable approaching their friends and family. You may reach hopeline through the numbers (02) 804-4673 or (+63) 917-558-4673. GLOBE and TM subscribers may call 2919 toll-free.
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