Donnalyn Bartolome opens up about her brother's mental health struggle: 'I'm so grateful you are still here with me'
Donnalyn Bartolome is one of the most popular YouTube creators in the country. With a huge following of over 9.5 million subscribers, she's one of the most influential figures online in the Philippines.
Not to mention, she is a singer with numerous hit songs under her belt.
But despite her success, Donnalyn recently opened up about her brother's mental health condition in her Christmas post on Instagram.
She uploaded a series of photos with Jay and then thanked him for being strong despite his mental health struggle. “How I'm spending Christmas Day. My brother has been suffering with his mental health for years and I'm so grateful you are still here with me. Thank you for fighting, I love you so much. Isa ka sa reason bakit ko ginagalingan at gagalingan pa.”
Donnalyn continued, “Remember when I told you “I want you to know I remember why I became a hard worker, it was because you were the smartest one and as the eldest, I had to keep up. I was afraid you wouldn't look up to me so you must know and everyone should too, that I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am if you weren't there for me to look up to so I can be someone you looked up to.”
“So please don't give up Jay, you are my Christmas!! God please shield him from anything that hurts him."
The internet sensation also left a piece of advice for those people, who are in similar situation like her.
She said, “To everyone who has loved ones suffering mentally, hold them close, be patient with them, it hurts sometimes but nothing hurts more than losing them.
“I'm not letting you go, Jay! It's me and you forever! My Christmas is a merry one because you're with me--visiting Lolay on Christmas Day.”
“Life is so short, we should only have room for LOVE (heart emoji) Merry Christmas ulit everyone!”
Many netizens reacted to Donnalyn's heartwarming IG post for her sibling and showered the both of them with kind messages, too.
If you are suffering from any mental health condition, please call the NCMH (National Center for Mental Health) CRISIS HOTLINE: 0917 899 8727 (USAP) and 989 8727 (USAP) operated 24/7.
CELEBRITIES WHO BRAVELY TALKED ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLE TO THE PUBLIC:
