Iwa Moto says being a mother helped her become mentally strong: ‘I need to be sane to take care of my family’

Iwa Moto said being a mother had transformed her and helped her become mentally strong.

In an interview with Nelson Canlas, the former actress revealed that her partner Pampi Lacson encouraged her to seek professional help after noticing her mood swings and attacks.

“Ang lala talaga ng nangyari sa ’kin. Habang natutulog ako, nagwawala ako, umiiyak ako, hindi ko alam kung san nanggaling,” she said. 

[It was getting worse. When I’m sleeping, I would just lose it, I cry, I don’t know where its coming from.]

She said one day, Pampi finally told her: “‘Love, hindi pwedeng ganyan kasi kailangan ka namin, kailangan ka ng mga anak natin.’” 

[You can’t be like that because we need you, our children need you.]

Iwa said she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder with severe panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2017.

However, she said she was “thankful” that with the help of their daughter Mimi, she got through the hardships.

Apart from getting therapy and taking medication, the “Starstruck” graduate said she had chosen to shut “toxic” people out of her life.

“It’s because I have to love myself more because my kids need me and I can’t not be okay,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino.

“I need to be sane to be able to take care of my family.”

The former actress gave birth to their second child Caleb Jiro in January.

According to Iwa, after years of struggle, she is now happy and at peace.

“I can’t be the Iwa I am before because there are kids who are depending on me and looking up to me. I cannot let them down,” she said.

“I think I am winning the battle,” Iwa said. “At least I think I am doing a good job at raising my kids, how I take care of my family, so one step at a time.”

She said having a good support system and letting God lead the way had helped her heal.

“I always pray at night, I always ask for guidance and I am thankful because I know He is listening,” she said.

“It might not be automatic but God gave me everything I wished for,” she added in Filipino.

While still fighting her “demons,” Iwa said she was definitely in a better place now. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News