Breaking the Silence opens a conversation on silent struggles in Filipino homes
By Boy Romero MANILA, Philippines – [January 13, 2026] – Some struggles don’t show up as chaos. They show up as silence, routine, and people convincing themselves that things will eventually pass. In many Filipino homes, that’s how mental health issues are dealt with, quietly, awkwardly, and often too late. Breaking the Silence focuses on those situations, particularly how mental health issues among today’s youth are often handled. Or not handled at all. While awareness has improved over the years, many families still treat anxiety, emotional distress, and behavioral changes as phases rather than warning signs. Let’s face it. Mental health among today’s youth is still treated as a sensitive topic. We like to say awareness is better now, and in some ways it is. But when it comes to actual conversations at home, many are still avoided. Anxiety gets labeled as drama. Emotional withdrawal as attitude. Asking for help becomes something to postpone. Written and directed by E...