“Walang Baliw Dito!”: The Silent Crisis of Filipino Mental Health No One Talks About
- Juen Marc Arzadon
- Jul 15, 2025
- 2 min read
Why Are So Many Filipinos Still Afraid to Talk About Mental Health?
“Kaya mo ‘yan. Dasal lang.”
“Baka kulang ka lang sa dasal.”
“Wala kang karapatan magreklamo—may trabaho ka, may pang kain ka!”
If you grew up Filipino, you've likely heard these phrases whenever you tried to talk about stress, burnout, or depression. Instead of being met with empathy, you’re often shut down with prayer, guilt, or worse—silence.
But here's the truth: mental health struggles are real, and the stigma in our culture is keeping too many of us sick, isolated, and ashamed.
The Hidden Damage of “Tiis Mentality”
Filipinos are taught to be strong, resilient, and self-sacrificing. We take pride in “tiis,” or endurance. But when it comes to mental health, that same resilience can become a prison.
We laugh off trauma as “hugot.”
We turn alcoholism or sex addiction into jokes.
We call anxiety “arte” and depression “ka-dramahan.”
And the worst part? Many of us don’t seek help until it’s already too late.
Common Struggles We Silently Carry
“I feel like I’m not good enough, no matter what I do.”
“I’m always anxious about disappointing my family.”
“I overwork because I feel guilty resting.”
“I don’t know who I am outside of being useful.”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. These are mental health issues, not character flaws.
Why Stigma is Killing Our Healing?
Mental illness is not a sign of weakness. It's a health condition, just like diabetes or asthma. But because of cultural shame and fear of judgment, many Filipinos:
Avoid therapy
Suffer in silence
Resort to unhealthy coping like overworking, gambling, or substance abuse
We were raised to believe that seeking help is “pang-mayaman” or “pang-baliw.” This is a deadly lie.
What Needs to Change?
Normalize Therapy in the Community - Therapy is not just for “crazy” people. It’s for anyone who wants to grow, heal, and understand themselves better.
Speak Up—Even If It’s Scary - When one of us shares our mental health journey, it gives others permission to do the same. You don’t have to suffer in silence.
Stop Shaming and Start Listening - When someone opens up, don’t dismiss them. Don’t say “buti nga…” or “nag-iinarte ka lang.” Listen. Validate. Encourage them to get help.
A Call to Action for Our Filipino Community
It’s time to break the cycle. It’s time to heal the unspoken wounds. It’s time to talk about the things our parents were never allowed to say.
“Hindi ka nag-iisa. Hindi ka baliw. At oo, may pag-asa ka!”
Need Help? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Hi, I’m Juen Arzadon, a Filipino-American Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and U.S. Veteran based in California. I specialize in working with Filipinos who are tired of keeping it all inside.
I offer online therapy, men’s groups, and a virtual intensive outpatient program— all trauma-informed and culturally sensitive.
Available for Californians statewideLet’s rewrite your story—together.
Share This If You Know Someone Who Needs to Hear It
Because someone out there is still pretending they're okay.
Let’s be the generation that breaks the silence.
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