Cover image via SAYS PH / Inquirer
In third world countries, especially the poorest ones, governments do not prioritize spending on mental healthcare which leaves citizens gravely affected by this disease
Individuals who suffer from mental illnesses experience emotional aggravation, verbal, and physical abuse due to lack of the community peoples' awareness to the severity of the mental health condition.
To survive, many sick individuals "mask their symptoms in order to function in the outside world" and hide their condition to their loved ones for fear of isolation and exclusion
Image via Patch
Image via Slate
Starting with herself, Obert took two photos: one that showed the person she chooses to present to the world, and a second portrait that presented an image of how she existed behind closed doors when feeling depressed.
"**I hope to give a glimpse to the viewer about the internal lives of people who struggle with disorders that are often misunderstood**," she wrote in an artist statement about the series [*Dualities*] (http://www.lizobert.com/dualities/dualities/index.html).
In 2013, [Liz Olbert] (http://www.lizobert.com/) decided to begin a series that dealt with the realities of **what it means to put on a brave face while simultaneously coping with forms of depression**.
Image via Slate
On 7 July 2015, 15-year-old teen actress Julia Buencamino took her own life because she was suffering from a bipolar disorder for three years according to the psychologist whom her mother, actress Shamaine Buencamino, asked for psychological autopsy
Julia queued a post on Tumblr which was published after she has "succeeded" on killing herself. **Here's an excerpt of Julia's farewell note:**
Image via Facebook
Image via Tumblr
"The most painful part to deal with is the fact that Julia had been suffering for a long time. Some of those drawings were from when she was 12 years old. **I'm bothered by the fact that she suffered, and I hate the fact that nobody warned me about it. One of the symptoms, apparently, is keeping it to yourself**," Shamaine told [Inquirer] (http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/238571/shamaine-buencamino-a-year-after-daughters-death/).
Today, Shamaine and Anthony Buencamino start-up a project called "[The Julia Buencamino Project] (https://www.facebook.com/The-Julia-Buencamino-Project-179306222473066/)" which exhibits Julia's artworks in schools as they encourage teenagers to express their depression, acknowledge it as an illness, and ask for help from adults
Julia's Bench, with sticker decals featuring Julia Buencamino's art, is a gadget-free place where teens can talk with and keep each other company.
Image via Irene Perez
"**I've always wanted to reach teenagers because I wasn't able to reach mine**. Grief tired me, and I didn't have the energy, but friends pushed me. It is time," shared Shamaine to [Inquirer] (http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/233990/the-julia-buencamino-project-how-nonie-and-shamaine-are-moving-on-by-reaching-out/).
"**We need to remove the stigma of society, accepting only those who are happy.** Dismissing a sad feeling as something that would just pass or forcing people who are feeling down to just get over it and get better. We think that depression does not occur to a person who can live normally – but it does," said Anthony Buencamino during The Julia Buencamino Project launch.
"**Ask for help from your parents! We cannot read your minds. But know that as parents we will do everything in our capacity to help, and we won't love you less.**" – Shamaine Buencamino
Image via SAYS PH
[Buhay Movement] (http://buhayph.org) is in partnership with The Julia Buencamino Project on advocating mental health awareness and suicide prevention
"We want to bring together the actions of advocates towards changing attitudes about mental health, and by banding together, reach more people with our message, and start healthy discussions about mental illness and suicide prevention," shared Buhay Movement on their [page] (https://www.facebook.com/buhayph/).
"**We hope to help people suffering from mental illnesses realize that they are not alone, that they have a community willing to support them, and that they are more than their mental health conditions.** *Nandito kami. Nandito tayo.*"
Image via Buhay Movement
Remind yourself that it is a blessing that you are alive today. Now, become a blessing to someone.
The Buhay gesture, done by placing your left hand on your heart, has two important meanings.
It is a way for people to show their support for the Buhay movement, and for those suffering from mental illness. More than sympathy, the gesture conveys empathy and understanding. **When you make this gesture, you are saying "I am here for you, nandito ako."**
It is a way for those of us who suffer from mental illness to remind ourselves that we are more than our conditions; our lives matter. Nandito tayo.
Image via Buhay Movement
Buhay Movement is looking for VOLUNTEERS to help them change attitudes about mental health and reach more people with their message!
Image via Buhay Movement
Reach out to them at **[email protected]**
Here's a list of mental health support that you could call if you, a friend, or a loved one are suffering from mental illness
Image via Buhay Movement
– Anthony Buencamino
