Alexa Ilacad has gone viral online for her emotional revelation on “Pinoy Big Brother” regarding how she views her body and her weight ever since joining the showbiz industry when she was young.
“All my life lalo na growing up in the industry, all I’ve been hearing is ang taba mo, magpapayat ka…wala kang project kasi mataba ka. That stuck in my head forever. Kahit si Justin Bieber pa magsabi sakin na ang ganda-ganda ko o ang ganda ng katawan ko hindi ko siya kayang paniwalaan,” she had initially confided in fellow housemate Benedix Ramos.
View this post on Instagram
Alexa was then able to speak with the show’s resident psychologist-psychiatrist Dr. Randy Dellosa thanks to Kuya who then explained that the actress is suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition wherein a person is obsessed with the flaws of one’s physical appearance, that may not be visible or noticeable by others, and expresses insecurity beyond what is normal.
Dr. Randy also added that the public must understand that BDD differs from the usual level of insecurity that most would have. “Sa normal insecurities natin, naba-bother tayo but we can let it go. Whereas sa BDD, dun sila obsessed, dun sila nagpo-focus,” he said. “Alam naman natin yung value sa entertainment industry ay yung physical na itsura, good looks. Syempre nakakapag-pressure yun sa tao.”
Alexa then spoke to Kuya about Dr. Randy’s diagnosis and couldn’t help but break down in tears.
“I see myself differently than how it looks. When I look in the mirror I feel disgusted. I despised the person I see in the mirror,” she began.
“I just never got the help that I need. Now, I know ito pala yun. I’ve been in the industry for more than half of my life, starting as a kid. I never was the thin type. My body type was different from all the other girls. That made me hate myself. I tried all kinds of diets, workouts,” she added.
Kuya then reminded her to not hesitate to open up to others about her problems because they may not be as petty as she might think.
“Wag mong maliitin ang nararamdaman mo. Ikinalulungkot ko ang pinagdadaanan mo. ‘Wag mong isipin na hindi nila kayang maintindihan. Don’t count your housemates out,” he said.
(ALSO READ: Alexa Ilacad Channels Inner “Bobbie Salazar,” Finishes Marketing Degree With 1.0 GWA)
What are your thoughts on this? Share them in the comments below.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at story.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad! Get the latest news about the Philippine Entertainment industry and join the WIM Showbiz Facebook group! We also share our stories on Viber, join us!
