‘I wish I knew that all my feelings are valid.’ Maureen Wroblewitz reveals struggling with depression and anxiety

Miss Universe Philippines Top 30 candidate Maureen Wroblewitz opened up about her mental health, revealing that she’s been battling with depression and anxiety. 

In an Instagram post on Saturday, Wroblewitz shared snapshots of her recent trip to Pangasinan—describing it as a “needed break” for her “own mental health.”

“You only see what I post on social media but what I don’t show are the challenges I go through everyday. I have realized that in this new journey of mine I have been my worst competitor, I have always been,” she said.

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A post shared by Maureen Wroblewitz (@mauwrob)

The Filipina model turned aspiring beauty queen admitted she’s been pressuring herself to improve “in her new journey,” which “only hurts” her in return.

“It is okay not to be okay, it is okay to be sad and cry, it is okay to feel unmotivated and unproductive. We need to acknowledge what we are feeling and know that all our feelings are valid,” Wroblewitz added.

Wroblewitz acknowledged she hasn’t been open about her mental health, as she was embarrassed to talk about it in the past. Since then, she realized that “she wants to change that.”

“To whoever needs to hear this right now, know that you are not battling this alone. I wish I knew that when I was suffering from depression and anxiety (I still do). I wish I knew that all my feelings are valid,” she said.

The aspiring beauty queen also talked about the importance of gratitude since it “boosts your happiness” amid these difficult times. “Being grateful for the little things and to savor everything.”

Wroblewitz also learned how to “make peace” and avoid dwelling in her past even as it shaped her to become a “strong, kind and beautiful person.

Wroblewitz first became known to the public in 2017, after winning the title of Asia’s Next Top Model on its fifth season. She recently made it to the top 30 candidates of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 where she will have the chance to represent the country in the international pageant scene.