Mika dela Cruz opens up about years of health struggles, anxiety
Mika dela Cruz opened up about her long-standing battle with mental and physical health struggles in the second episode of her YouTube series “The Rescue Diaries.”
The former child actress shared that she struggled with anxiety and overthinking from a young age, recalling how her mental health difficulties forced her to leave school for a year when she was in Grade 2. Years later, while pursuing a BS Psychology program at Southville International School and Colleges to better understand her struggles, she faced concentration and memory hurdles that eventually led her to pause her studies.
“I had a hard time learning,” she said.
Alongside these mental health struggles, Dela Cruz recalled experiencing severe exhaustion and weight gain, gaining more than 20 kilograms, with her heaviest weight reaching around 25 kilograms above her previous weight. She admitted she also experienced binge eating, which she described as a way of coping with anxiety, fear, and mental stress.
Her health problems continued to develop over time. Dela Cruz said she was eventually diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease—an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid—liver problems (including fatty liver and liver fibrosis), hyperlipidemia, PCOS, and gallstones, compounded by severe lethargy, swelling, and gastrointestinal issues that sparked fears of colon cancer.
“I tried everything, guys. Tinry ko lahat talaga para gumaling,” she said, describing how she sought medical treatment and therapy while also trying different ways to improve her mental and physical health.
Her health struggles also came with financial difficulties, as she said much of her savings went toward medical expenses. At the same time, she had stopped working and had taken a break from school.
After years of dealing with multiple health concerns, the actress said her faith eventually became an important part of how she coped with her struggles.
She recalled beginning to actively seeking her faith in 2023 after a difficult period in her life. She said that shortly afterward, a follow-up scan showed that her liver problems were “internally resolved,” while her doctor also told her that she no longer needed treatment for PCOS.
The Kara Mia star likewise described experiencing a major change in her mental health, saying that the anxiety and fearful thought patterns she had struggled with since childhood became significantly easier to manage.
“Everything started to make sense,” she said. “Naintindihan ko yung buhay.”
She ended the episode by encouraging viewers who may also be experiencing difficult seasons to seek hope and support.
Dela Cruz is a Filipino actress who began her career as a child star after joining Star Circle Summer Kid Quest in 2006. She later became part of the cast of Goin’ Bulilit, before taking on acting roles in television series including Mirabella and Luv U, as well as films such as T2.
She is married to fellow former Goin’ Bulilit star Nash Aguas, whom she wed in May 2024.
