Former Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo has opened up about one of the most difficult chapters of her life, revealing that she was diagnosed with major depressive disorder with anxious distress — a decision she says was driven not by sympathy, but by the need for truth and understanding.
In a deeply personal Facebook post, Rabiya shared a glimpse of her medical journey, including a 2025 medical certificate that advised her to take a leave of absence from professional commitments. Behind the crown, the cameras, and the public appearances, she revealed that she had been quietly fighting a battle few people ever saw.
She admitted that the year marked a turning point. Multiple rounds of medication followed, along with a decision to leave the country for three months — not for leisure, but for survival. According to Rabiya, stepping away was necessary to protect herself from triggers and from people who, despite good intentions, could not fully grasp what she was going through.
What many assumed was a glamorous break was, in reality, a daily struggle just to get through each day. Rabiya confessed that there were moments when disappearing from social media — and from public life altogether — felt like the only way to find peace. Yet even in her lowest moments, she chose to keep going.
Her strength, she shared, is anchored in love for her family, particularly her mother. Rabiya said she made a promise to herself never to give up, determined not to put her mother through the kind of pain she witnessed when broadcaster Kuya Kim Atienza lost his son Emman. That promise continues to fuel her resolve to keep fighting, even now.
Beyond her own story, Rabiya used her platform to send a gentle but powerful reminder to the public. Words, she emphasized, carry weight — especially for someone battling depression. A small act of kindness, a thoughtful message, or even silence instead of judgment can mean more than people realize. Conversely, careless remarks can push someone toward a breaking point.
By choosing honesty over silence, Rabiya Mateo has once again redefined what it means to be strong. Her story strips away the illusion of perfection often placed on public figures and replaces it with something far more meaningful: vulnerability, courage, and the ongoing choice to heal.