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Cita Astals opens up on struggles after going public with mental health condition

Published May 5, 2026 01:29 pm
Cita Astal (YouTube)
Cita Astal (YouTube)

Known for her iconic performance in the hit TV show Home Along Da Riles, former actress and public servant Cita Astals recently opened up about her mental health.

In an interview with Susan Enriquez for her vlog, Cita shared that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2011.

“It is not a thinking disorder. It’s a mood disorder. It’s an emotional disorder,” she explained.

According to Cita, her entry into politics may have been a contributing factor to the challenges she experienced.

Cita served three terms as a councilor in the City of Manila. She later ran for vice mayor in 2007 but lost to Isko Moreno.

She went on to express regret disclosing her mental health issues to the public.  
"I was hoping my coming out in the open will help people understand and cut down on stigma, kaya lang hindi rin nangyari. Ang problema, sa Tagalog, any mental illness naka-lump sum na ‘baliw’," she said.
Despite the challenges, Cita continues to move forward aiming to make the best out of her situation.
She keeps busy studying history, though she admits to missing show business.

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