Pepe Herrera releases video statement after withdrawing from ‘Your Face Sounds Familiar’
- Pepe Herrera withdrew from Your Face Sounds Familiar due to depression and anxiety
- In a video statement, he shared that these struggles date back to his teenage years
- Panic attacks and sleep problems recently forced him to take action
- He plans to focus on healing and urges others to prioritize their mental health
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Pepe Herrera courageously shared his struggles with depression and anxiety attacks after stepping away from the singing impersonation competition Your Face Sounds Familiar. The announcement of his withdrawal was made during the show’s November 15 episode, where hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario cited health concerns as the reason behind Herrera’s decision.
Source: Facebook
In a heartfelt video statement posted on the show’s official social media accounts, Herrera elaborated on his mental health battle, revealing that it had persisted for decades. "I haven't been well for decades. After my session with my psychotherapist the other day, I realized I have been struggling with depression and anxiety attacks alternately since I was 13 years old," he admitted.
He explained that he had survived for years by relying on temporary coping mechanisms. Herrera shared that he often “swept everything under the rug,” avoided confronting traumatic experiences, and masked his pain by making others laugh. “All this time I did not know that the body is keeping score,” he reflected.
The actor described how his condition had recently escalated, with panic attacks occurring in the evenings and interfering with his sleep. "Either I will be able to sleep only when the sun is shining, or I won't be able to sleep at all. The combination of insomnia and anxiety is making my body experience regular tremors and numbness in different parts of my body," Herrera explained. He also lamented the worsening chest pains and headaches and the intensifying dark thoughts he has been experiencing.
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Herrera recounted a particularly frightening moment when he felt a crushing pressure on his chest, triggering a severe panic attack. "I feel like I'm drowning. A few days ago, I experienced a turning point. I had a mental breakdown and went through a panic attack because of something I felt on my chest. It was not just heavy; it felt like something was squeezing my lungs violently. I panicked because I thought I was dying. I was terrified," he said.
To cope, he moved outside barefoot, praying and talking to his body and to God until the pain subsided. He described this moment as a promise to himself: he would no longer abuse his body by escaping reality.
After a lengthy discussion with his wife, Herrera decided to take an indefinite leave from work to prioritize his treatment. He acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, particularly as a breadwinner, and noted that he had long perfected the art of pretending to be okay to provide for his family.
"As a breadwinner, this was a very difficult decision for me. I became good [at] pretending because I need to provide for my family. But my wife and I agreed that this needs to be done," he emphasized.
Herrera also expressed gratitude for the support he has received from healthcare professionals and friends over the years. "After more than three decades of trying to be a people pleaser, I decided to choose myself and my healing," he stressed.
Before concluding his statement, he addressed his Your Face Sounds Familiar colleagues, apologizing for his sudden exit and extending his support to the remaining contestants.
"I can be the Pepe who can get tired of being a clown, and I can be the Pepe who can be very serious. And from now on, you will see the most sincere and truthful version of me," he said.
He also encouraged those facing similar struggles to seek help and prioritize their mental well-being: "For those who are also struggling, I hope you get the help you need and the healing that you deserve. I hope you rediscover the courage to work on that for yourself and your family."
With his departure, Your Face Sounds Familiar Season 4 will continue with contestants Rufa Mae Quinto, Alexa Ilacad, Dia Maté, Jason Dy, Akira Morishita, Jarlo Bâse, JM Dela Cerna, and Marielle Montellano.
Watch the video below:
Pepe Herrera is a Filipino actor and comedian best known for his roles in Ang Probinsyano, The Reunion, The Trial, and various theater performances. Known for his comedic timing and heartfelt portrayals, Herrera continues to be admired for his openness, humility, and authenticity both on and off screen.
Aside from Pepe Herrera, there have been other celebrities who have bravely opened up about their mental health.
Earlier, comedienne and television host Tuesday Vargas spoke about a deeply personal moment in her life during an emotional interview with journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdes on YouTube, where she revealed how a miracle saved her from taking her own life.
In another report, Maxene Magalona opened up about her mental health in an emotional social media post, revealing that she recently broke down after months of putting on a strong front.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
