Content Warning: the following article contains a discussion on mental health
Rabiya Mateo revealed that she was diagnosed with depression in 2025.
On her Facebook page on Friday, January 16, the former beauty queen opened up about her mental health struggle.
"Mental Health Awareness. 2025, I was diagnosed with depression and anxious distress. I had my several rounds of medication. I left the country for 3 months so I won’t get triggered by people who have no idea what I’ve been going through," she shared.
Rabiya posted a medical certificate from her doctor showing her diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress in 2025.
She recounted how tough the journey was, saying: "Everyday was a struggle to survive. I almost deactivated everything and disappear to have a quiet and peaceful life. I fought hard and still fighting up until now."
She also reflected on the death of Emman Atienza, noting how the loss deeply affected her father, Kim Atienza, and his family.
"When I saw what happen to Emman and saw how painful it was for Kuya Kuya Kim Atienza and his family, I made a promise to myself to never give up because I don't want my Mama to experience the same thing," she said.
The actress went on to remind netizens of the power of words, especially when directed at people struggling with mental health. "You don't know how little kindness mean to a depressed person like me and how your words can push me to do something else," she pointed out.
In a separate post, Rabiya explained that while she initially wanted to keep her battle with depression private, she felt compelled to speak out to help stop online bullying.
"I planned to keep my depression to myself. Years of battling it every day. Years of trying to keep myself together. Bullying needs to stop now. It causes harm more than you ever know!" she said.
* If you or a loved one is in need of help, contact the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) crisis hotline nationwide at 1553 or 1800-1888-1553; via Smart/TNT at 0919-057-1553; and via Globe/TM at 0917 899-8727.