SINCE the death of Robin Williams, the talk about depression—especially by other artists—became more open to the public. Williams, who was one of the greatest comedians in the industry, with successes in TV and films like Mork and Mindy, Mrs. Doubtfire, Dead Poets Society and Good Morning Vietnam; took his own life last week. He has been battling depression his whole life and his fans didn’t know.
This could be one of the reasons why Megastar Sharon Cuneta recently opened up about her own struggles. Last August 18 on her Facebook, the multi-awarded actress and singer put out an emotional post for her fans.
“I have nothing to lose by telling you that I have made mistakes that have affected all that I have worked for, bled for over the past thirty-six years,” referring to her gaining weight. “I feel that I have let you down. I let myself go, I allowed myself to get fat and stay fat. I became complacent…and I never lost faith in God, and in you, but I ignored the fact that I had lost faith in myself.”
Sharon also shared that she has lost the drive to be on top, adding that it maybe because she is happy with her family and being a mother to her children. However, Sharon’s career suffered greatly. Aside from losing interest in reviving her career, she had to limit herself to certain roles. She also admitted that she went through a mid-life crisis, where she became “rebellious” about herself.
“I hated myself for the way I looked and the time I continued to waste by not focusing and working on bettering my own person.”
A favorite target of online bashers and critics, Sharon shared that she is transparent, and that she has learned to up for herself. “…I know I am not without fault. I am the farthest thing from perfect. But God knows I try my best.”
The last part of her post is a message to all her fans, thanking them for their understanding and support.
One of the very few people who knew about the Megastar’s struggles is actress Judy Ann Santos. Even before Sharon’s Facebook post, Judy Ann and husband Ryan Agoncillo went to see her to give her support.
In an interview with PEP.ph during the press conference for her new reality show I Do, Judy Ann said that although they don’t see each other ofter, they try to keep in touch. She also said that her Ate Sharon is doing okay, and trying to cope up with the depression she has been feeling.
Another artist who came out to share his struggles with depression is comedian-singer Janno Gibbs. The 44-year-old admitted in an interview with GMA 7’s Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho that he is doing better now after seeking professional help.
“It wasn’t that serious, pero enough for me to seek help,” he said. “I sought professional help plus of course, malaking bagay… I’m lucky because I have a family who supported me… my wife, my kids, my parents.”
Janno also said that it took a while before he admitted his mental illness because of the stigma it brings. But he wants to create awareness that there is nothing wrong in seeking help when you’re depressed.
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More drama is brewing with Derek Ramsay when he finally admitted recently that he is indeed married to Mary Christine Jolly and that he has an 11-year-old son.
In a statement released to the media last August 20, it said that the actor thought his marriage to Mary Christine wasn’t valid. Aside from this, Derek denied other accusations stated in his wife’s affidavit. Together with his lawyer, Atty. Joji Alonso, he filed a counter affidavit at the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.
“In the Complaint-Affidavit which is replete with deliberate lies and facts intended to be misleading and deceptive, there are only two things that are true:
“First, that Mary Christine Jolly and I were married in 2002, a marriage that I was then told, was not valid, for various reasons.
“Atty. Joji Alonso has subsequently explained to me that the information given me about the status of my marriage, is erroneous and that a marriage unless annulled, remains to be valid. “Second, that I have an eleven-year old son named Austin Gabriel Ramsay.
“It was only sometime in the early part of August 2011, that I was able to confirm that Austin is indeed my son. “Since then, I wanted to know my son first and keep my relationship with him, private.
“Austin was just an 8 year old boy then and he would not be able to comprehend the possible media curiosity about him, specially since he was then new to the country and about to pursue his education here.
“Given the circumstances between Mary and I, which is far from ideal, I had to protect Austin first.
“Since Austin was then so young, I felt it was prudent to protect him and maintain a private relationship with him, for the meantime.
“I have nothing further to add. Everything that needs to be said is contained in the Counter Affidavit which I have submitted today.”
Let’s wait and see how this drama will develop.
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My heartfelt sympathies goes out to the wife and family of my dear friend Mike Hajian, who peacefully passed away last July 27 in San Rafael at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife Lolita “Tateez” Hajian and his children. His remains were buried at the Valley Memorial Park in Novato, CA on Friday, August 1.
