Amid an unprofessional experience discussed by celebrity photographer BJ Pascual involving Denise Julia and her team on the podcast Killa Kush, the singer-songwriter took to social media to express gratitude to those who stood by her during recent challenges. These included difficulties leading up to and after her first major successful concert, The Denise Julia Experience, held at the New Frontier Theater on 14 December.
"A week before the concert, I hit rock bottom. I was rushed to the hospital for gastroesophageal complications, and while waiting for results, I had a PTSD episode, reliving the trauma of my last surgery. What followed were days of relentless panic attacks — hours of shaking, crying, and feeling completely out of control. My therapist diagnosed me with a severe panic disorder, which spiraled into lung issues, leaving my body and mind disoriented," the singer revealed in her post.
Despite experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to her recent surgery, Denise managed to attend rehearsals.
"I thought I couldn’t do it. I’d show up to rehearsals only to leave because my hands and feet went numb. At one point, I had to be rescued from my own home just to get medication to calm me down. I felt as though my dream was slipping through my fingers," she added.
Through her struggles, the singer found strength in the support of the people who believed in her.
"This concert was more than a performance — it was a fight to get my life back. I couldn’t have done it without the people who carried me through. Thank u for believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself."
In her heartfelt post, Denise also acknowledged her core team, whose love and support helped her push forward.
"To my all-girl band, who proved that girls truly do it better, and my dancers, who kept me going when I felt like giving up—you are my strength. To my friends who are my chosen family, who stayed by my side through sleepless nights, laughter, tears, and everything in between," she wrote.
The singer also admitted to battling personal issues, including anxiety attacks, which led her to miss career opportunities.
"This concert wasn’t just a show — it saved me. This year has been one of the hardest of my life. I’ve faced heartbreak, crippling anxiety, and days when I couldn’t even show up for myself. Socializing felt impossible, and I constantly questioned if I was on the right path. There were times I’d miss opportunities or back out on things because of anxiety attacks that left me battling with my mind. I’d sit for hours staring at the wall, reminding myself to breathe, to gather the strength to get through the day. But this night reminded me of my purpose. You reminded me. You proved that I’m not alone, and as long as I have you, I can keep going."
Denise Julia is a Filipino R&B singer known for hit songs like "B.A.D," "Lackin'," "Bet," and "NVMD."