Ryza Cenon opens up about how she attempted to take own life, twice
StarStruck Season 2 Ultimate Female Survivor Ryza Cenon recently found the courage to open up about the dark and challenging moments in her past.
In an interview with Aster Amoyo, the Filipina actress bravely admitted that she attempted suicide twice in her life.
Her first attempt happened when she was around 17 years old, during the early days of her showbiz career. Ryza recalled struggling with personal issues while living independently.
"That time po kasi as in independent lang po ako na nandoon lang ako sa bahay mag-isa. Kasama ko po 'yung lola ko, pero syempre matanda na po 'yung lola ko. So 'pag may problema ako, hindi ko naman sasabihin na sa kanya iyon kasi iisipin na iisipin niya iyon," she shared. "So kine-keep ko lang po sa sarili ko ang lahat hanggang sa ayun po na nagkaroon ako ng depression. May isang araw na pa-give up na po talaga ako as in suicide na po."
Before making a drastic decision, Ryza called her older brother as she hoped for a sign. She prayed to God, promising that if her brother answered, she would stop her attempt.
Thankfully, he picked up that made Ryza overwhelmed in emotions. She recalled, "Iyak lang po ako ng iyak. Tapos sorry ako ng sorry sa kapatid ko. Plus kay God na naisip ko iyon."
Years later, Ryza faced another battle with depression after giving birth to her son, Night. She struggled with postpartum depression, constantly feeling overwhelmed and emotional.
What made it even harder was that it happened during the lockdown, and her partner, Miguel Antonio Cruz, had to be away for work. Ryza felt alone and scared, especially since she lost her mother when she was just a toddler.
"Wala po akong parang nanay na masasandalan o mahihingan ng advice. 'Tama po ba itong ginagawa ko bilang nanay? Ganito ang pagpapalaki sa anak ko, ganyan, ganyan.' Walang ganoon," she admitted.
Even now, Ryza struggles to understand why suicidal thoughts cross her mind. "Minsan kinukuwestiyon ko rin ang sarili ko. Ang hirap labanan minsan 'yung sarili mong monster sa utak mo. Ang lakas po, masyado malakas po 'yung sa akin. So ang lakas niya kong bulungan o minsan kontrolin," she explained.
Fortunately, painting helped distract her during her first battle with depression. When she became a mother, her son, Night, became her strength and inspiration to keep going.
Currently, Ryza is focused on her career and cherishing her happy family. She also embraces boldness and confidence as she proudly rocks her new bald look.
For those who need help, call the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 0966-3514518
Meanwhile, take a look at other celebrities who opened up about their mental health struggles, here:
