For years, Pepe Herrera has entertained audiences with his humor and memorable performances. Behind the cameras, however, the actor was quietly battling mental health challenges.

In a deeply personal interview on Oh My Gan, Herrera reflected on a period when the demands of work, the pressures of social media, and emotional exhaustion became overwhelming. He said he eventually realized he could no longer ignore what he was feeling, prompting him to step back from the spotlight and prioritize his well-being.

He described feeling stuck in both his career and personal life.

"It feels like I was staying on a plateau. There was no growth."

Herrera said the emotional toll became especially heavy while filming a television series in 2023, a period he described as one of the darkest chapters of his life.

"When I did this TV series noong 2023, I was so stressed. I was in a dark phase."

Instead of forcing himself to keep going, Herrera chose to slow down and allow himself time to recover. That decision, he said, changed the way he viewed success and self-worth.

"When I was finally able to embrace that I just had to rest, that's when I realized that I just have to be true to myself."

As part of his recovery, Herrera sought professional help and followed medical treatment. He encouraged those facing similar struggles to consult healthcare professionals and not discontinue prescribed medication without proper medical guidance.

He also credited his support system—including friends, mentors, music, creative pursuits, and acts of service—for helping him regain hope.

"Because I asked for help, help was given generously."

Today, Herrera hopes his experience will encourage more open conversations about mental health. He said asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and urged people to recognize when they need to pause and care for themselves.

He ended with a message he hopes others will carry with them:

"Listen to the body, be sincere, be honest, and be kind. Everything else will follow."