Maureen Wroblewitz marked Suicide Prevention Month on social media recently, recounting her own personal journey.
Taking to Instagram, the model-beauty queen-actress urged followers to reach out to friends and family, emphasizing that many of them might be going through depression but simply "suffer in silence."
"And depression is usually hidden behind smiles and laughter," she pointed out.
Maureen also stressed: "Remember to always be kind because you never know what someone is going through."
In the lengthy post, Maureen conveyed a compelling narrative of her own personal growth and strength.
"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," she started, referring to old photos of her.
The 25-year-old celebrity recounted that had it not been for her younger sister discovering her in a moment of "vulnerability" and promptly informing their parents, she isn't certain if she would be here today.
"After losing my Mom at the age of 11 and experiencing more of life's difficulties soon after, I had slowly started losing faith in myself," she revealed.
"I was fighting my inner demons alone because I chose to suffer in silence," was how she put it.
According to her, she didn't want to burden anyone with her problems but 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 and suddenly I was exposed," she said.
So her parents suggested she start seeing a therapist and after completing a few sessions, her Dad gifted her a book by Nick Vujicic titled "Life Without Limits."
Maureen pointed out that this book was the catalyst that "ultimately inspired" her to shift her perspective on life.
"Nick's story had made me realize that at just 13, I hadn't even seen the world yet," she related.
"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 that moment forward, Maureen was determined to turn her dreams into 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 that I'm proud of," she maintained.
Indeed, that shift in mindset opened up numerous opportunities for her.
A few months later, she launched her fashion blog. Despite keeping it hidden from her peers at school due to apprehensions about judgment, Maureen bravely shared her life and passion for fashion.
A year later, she was spotted by her current "momager" on Instagram. Three years down the line, she found herself 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 said.
"I believe that even if I get to help just one person by sharing my story, I have done something right. Depression is still a constant battle for me but I am no longer afraid to ask for help. I see my therapist every month, I have motivational calls with my momager and I have the support of my family and my boyfriend."
Maureen emphasized that she's "grateful" for all the people in her life who "love" and "care" for her.
"I wouldn't be here without them.. literally," she stated.
She concluded by extending a heartfelt message to all her supporters, acknowledging that they have not only made her dreams achievable but 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," she declared.
Maureen gained prominence winning at the fifth season of "Asia's Next Top Model," a feat that made her the first Filipina to achieve such.
In 2021, she further showcased her prowess by securing the first runner-up position in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, where she represented Pangasinan.