Xyriel Manabat Shares Her Mental Health Journey
XYRIEL MANABAT – At the red-carpet premiere of her new film Near Death, Xyriel Manabat moved many by sharing her own story of survival and self-discovery.
Trigger warning: Mention of attempted suicide
Actress Xyriel Manabat courageously shared a personal story about a painful period in her life, revealing that she once experienced a near-death incident connected to her struggles with mental health.
“Ako po, nagkaroon ako ng near-death experience, sa hospital at saka sa buhay,” Xyriel began. While she did not go into detail about what exactly happened, the actress recalled a moment when medical personnel had to attend to her after she became unresponsive. “So sa hospital, naranasan ko yung tinatawag na yung mga nurse kasi unresponsive na ako,” she said.
The Senior High star also admitted that she had reached a point where she felt like giving up. “Tapos sa buhay naman, nakaranas na ako ng parang ‘Julia moment’. Na parang at a very young age, maaga kong na-feel na parang, ‘Ayoko na,’ parang tapos na ako, ganyan. So yes, marami na po akong mga near-death experience sa medical and mental na aspeto.”
Highlighting the importance of taking mental health seriously, Xyriel shared that healing is a long and continuous process that requires honesty and bravery. “It’s a long process po. It’s not linear, and at the same time, you really have to acknowledge it, and you really have to ask for help. Huwag mong ikakahiya na nanghingi ka ng tulong. Kasi that’s the bravest thing you can give for yourself. To ask for help.”
In an interview with PEP.ph, Xyriel reflected on the lessons she learned, emphasizing empathy and understanding toward others. “Gaya po nung sabi ni Ms. Lot and ni Ate Charlie, hindi naman kada makakasalamuha natin, malalaman natin kung ano yung pinagdadaanan. Hindi naman porke’t may nagawang mali sa atin that day, kukutyain na natin, pagsasalitaan na natin ng masama, sisirain na natin yung araw nila dahil lang may inconvenience. So it’s free to be kind, it’s free to be nice.”
She added that being kind and supportive can make a big difference. “Masayang maging kaibigan kasi hindi mo alam kung kailan nangangailangan ng kaibigan yung taong kaharap mo… Always choose to be kind,” she said.
Currently, Xyriel portrays Mia, the sister of Julia (played by Charlie Dizon), in the horror film Near Death, which also stars veteran actress Lotlot de Leon. The actress opened up about her experience during the movie’s red-carpet premiere held on October 19 at SM North The Block.
FULL STORY: Xyriel Manabat Reveals What Happened To Her “Ipon” As A Child Star