Breaking the silence: Celebrities speak out vs bullying and its toll on mental health

In a world where fame often comes at the cost of peace of mind, a growing number of celebrities are choosing to speak up — not just for themselves, but for anyone who has ever been bullied, bashed or broken by words meant to wound.

Andrea del Rosario: ‘You can choose to be better’

Actress and advocate Andrea del Rosario recently delivered a powerful message directed to those who choose cruelty over compassion. Her open letter, shared on social media, was not just a personal plea — it was a wake-up call.

“To the bullies in life,” she wrote, “Your words and actions may seem like a joke to you, but they leave real scars. Cruelty only poisons the person who uses it.”

Andrea’s words resonated with many, not because they came from a place of anger, but because they carried an invitation to change. Her message was clear: kindness is strength, and accountability starts with choosing to be better.

“If you’re struggling, get help. If you’re angry, deal with it. But don’t take it out on people who never signed up to be your target,” she said.

James Reid: ‘The bashing was depressing’

For actor and musician James Reid, the pressures of celebrity were magnified by relentless online bashing that deeply affected his mental health.

In a candid interview, James revealed that the constant noise and criticism — from issues involving his personal relationships to professional choices — took a heavy toll.

“To be very honest, witnessing all of the bashing… nakaka-depress siya (it’s depressing),” he admitted. “I hope people can move on and just please give us peace of mind.”

James’ admission underscored a painful truth: behind every viral headline or trending controversy is a human being simply trying to navigate life under scrutiny. His vulnerability became a reminder that celebrities are not immune to the emotional weight of hate.

Deanna Wong: ‘Hinahayaan ko na lang’

Volleyball sensation Deanna Wong has become known not just for her skills on the court, but for her mental resilience off of it. After facing harsh criticism over a viral video in 2022, Deanna was pushed into a spotlight no athlete ever asks for: the public judgment of a private moment.

The backlash was swift and overwhelming, and Deanna admitted it broke her.

“Sa una, sobrang iyak ko nu’n (At first, I cried hard). Hindi ko na-enjoy ‘yung Palawan vacation namin ng partner ko (I did not enjoy my Palawan vacation with my partner),” she shared. “Ako lang ‘yung na-bash (I’m the only one who got bashed).”

But instead of letting the experience consume her, Deanna chose to rise above it. “Wala kang mapapala sa kanila — patulan mo man sila o hindi, may masasabi pa rin sila sa’yo (You’ll not get anything from them. Whether you fight back or not, they always have something to say),” she said.

She has since mastered the art of 'dedma,' focusing instead on her game, her growth and the people who truly matter.