Trigger Warning: This article mentions suicide and mental health illnesses.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Tuesday Vargas opened about the story behind her TikTok tagline: “Ako si Tuesday at simula ngayon palagi na akong nandito.”
During the conversation, Tuesday shared the significance of her mental health core group, revealing how they made a promise reminding her that her existence mattered, not just for herself, but for those who love her.
“My core group, they made me promise to say ‘If you're not gonna live for yourself, live for us because we need you.’ Sometimes you just need to hear that you matter still, that their lives depend on you. It's going to be a different world when you're not here.”
It was on August that Tuesday took to social media to talk about her struggles with mental health. According to her, she was diagnosed with high functioning autism and ADHD since the age of 12. During the pandemic, her condition worsened, leading to the diagnosis of other mental health illnesses such as generalized anxiety, PTSD, and panic attack disorder.
Tuesday also said that she suffered from different kinds of abuse growing up, but she did not go into detail on the matter, asking everyone's understanding. With all that she went through, Tuesday revealed that she tried to unalive herself twice.
READ: Tuesday Vargas opens up about the lowest point in her life and how faith restored her
Despite going through tough moments, Tuesday found her way to share her advocacy on mental health through content creation. As part of her advocacy, Tuesday has been constantly uploading TikTok videos where she shares her personal journey, inspirational talks, and conversations with viewers that resonate with her. To her, the videos play the role of a friendly instrument viewers may watch anytime.
“Whenever I say ‘lagi na akong nandito’ [yung] content [na iyon ay] pwede mo siyang balikan anytime na gusto mo ng advice.”
READ: Tuesday Vargas reacts to being called unapproachable: ‘Nakakasakit po kayo ng damdamin’
However, Tuesday also clarified that posting videos and having that tagline does not mean that she would absorb all the negativity around her. Instead, she aims to lift others while staying true to herself, may it be by performing stand-up comedy or creating online content.
“Whenever I say I'm here, I'm not only here for you guys. I'm ultimately here for me. I'm existing for me for the first time in my life. I want to exude that kind of vibrance. Yung buhay na buhay ako na makakahawa sa ibang tao.”
Moving forward with her advocacy, Tuesday has asked her friends and followers for more engagement that will provide meaningful learnings in each other's lives.
“Do something for me, interact with me a lot. Tell me your story so I can use it someday to enlighten other people who are in the same boat. Or if I'm wrong, correct me para I will learn also. If I said something you don't agree with, you have a different take on it. I wanna hear it.”
On October 8, Tuesday posted photos and videos of her visiting Hong Kong for her mental health break advised by her doctors.
"I rarely take breaks. A person like me finds meaning in becoming a busy body. But my doctors advised me that balancing play with work is an integral part of healing. I am blessed that I get to make content (which is also work by the way haha) and relax for a bit at the same time,” she said in the caption.
Tuesday is set to release a new full-length album after more than a decade, which includes songs that depict three years of her life experiences.
The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) operates a 24/7 helpline for individuals suffering from mental health problems.
Crisis Hotline - National Center for Mental Health
Toll-free landline: 1553
Mobile numbers: 0917-899-8727, 0966-351-4518, 0908-639-2672
Facebook: ncmhcrisishotline
Twitter: ncmhhotline