Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of depression and suicidal ideation
To mark the beginning of Suicide Prevention Month, Maureen Wroblewitz openly shared her story to her friends and followers on Instagram about struggling with her mental health at such a young age.
“This is a reminder to check on your friends and family. Most people suffer in silence and depression is usually hidden behind smiles and laughter. Remember to always be kind because you never know what someone is going through,” the model-turned-beauty queen wrote in the caption of her post, which featured a picture of herself at the age of 13—a time when she thought about ending her life.
“This girl that you see smiling and posing in front of the camera was thinking of all the easiest ways to end her life just a few months prior,” Maureen began in her open letter. “If it wasn’t for her little sister finding her in a vulnerable situation and telling her parents about it, I don’t know if I would be here today.’
She then remembered how hard it had been for her to lose her mom, Mariefe Pojas Wroblewitz, to breast cancer. “After losing my mom at the of 11 and experiencing more of life’s difficulties soon after, I had slowly started losing faith in myself. I was fighting my inner demons alone because I chose to suffer in silence. I didn’t want to burden anyone with my problems, but I also was too ashamed of them. I knew something was wrong, but I wanted to hide that for as long as I could. It wasn’t until one blurry night that suddenly I was exposed.”
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Maureen then started seeing a therapist and began reading a book that her father gifted her titled “Life Without Limits” by inspirational speaker Nick Vujicic.
“That is what ultimately inspired me to change my outlook on life. Nick’s story had made me realize that at just 13, I hadn’t even seen the world yet,” she continued. “I didn’t know what was yet to happen, and I thought ‘What if I do become someone in this lifetime?’ ‘What if I get to inspire people with my story?’ ‘What if I’m meant for something bigger?’ From then on, I knew I had to make my dreams a reality, I knew I couldn’t hide in my darkness forever. I was convinced that telling my story was my purpose and that I had to work hard so I could become someone I’m proud of.”
She then recalled everything she has done to bring herself to where she currently is, from starting her own fashion blog to meeting her “momager” to now living out her dreams in the Philippines.
“I have always wanted to share more about my mental health struggles, but I never knew how. I now understand that the best way is to just do it, to speak my truth and people will listen,” she added. “I believe that even if I get to help just one person by sharing my story, I have done something right.”
She noted that she continues to see her therapist every month and has constant motivational calls with her momager, but it’s the unending support of her friends, family, and boyfriend that truly helps her through the tough times. “Depression is still a constant battle for me but I am no longer afraid to ask for help.”
“I am grateful for all the people in my life who love and care for me. I wouldn’t be here without them…literally. To all my supporters, you have made my dreams possible and you still continue to do so.
“I can now say that I’m extremely proud of myself, not just for all my achievements but for having found the strength to fight for what I believed in. I’m glad I didn’t give up on myself. I now know that I am truly meant for something bigger.”
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Maureen was a part-time model prior to entering “Asia’s Next Top Model” in 2017 where she was crowned the winner. She has since appeared as a guest and co-host in many Filipino shows and became an ambassador for multiple brands and foundations. She then competed for the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 crown and placed first runner-up.
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Help is always available. If you’re suffering through something, contact the following help hotlines:
National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 0966-351-4518
Hopeline: (02) 8804-4673
In Touch: Crisis Line: (02) 8893-7603
NCMH Crisis Hotline: 1800-1888-1553
Child Helpline 1-6-3: 163
