24/10/2025
A Gentle Reminder About Mental Health 💔
I was deeply saddened by the news of a young 19-year-old who took her own life because of depression and mental health struggles. It’s a painful reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Depression is not a joke, and I know this from personal experience. Before I taught in the USA, I was a mentor for my colleagues in our classroom management program back in the Philippines. Despite my decades of teaching experience, nothing could truly prepare me for what it’s like to teach in the US classroom setting, especially during that first year.
I heard stories from fellow J1 and H1B teachers, and I can tell you, believe them! No words could ever fully describe how difficult it was. I lost considerable weight, suffered from daily headaches, and cried every morning, not wanting to go to work. These were the silent faces of depression that I rarely talked about. Behind a strong facade and renewed contract were thoughts and voices telling me I wasn’t good enough, that I had failed.
But through it all, I held onto my faith. My God is far greater than the lies in my head. I was blessed to have my immediate family around me during those dark days.
I can’t help but think about our dear OFWs who are alone, those who don’t have a support system and fight their silent battles far from home. So please, in this world where you can be anything-- BE KIND.
You never know what someone is going through. A little kindness can go a long way. 💛