YouTube vlogger and internet personality Benedict Cua opened up about his mental health struggles and why he decided to take a break from social media. In an interview with ABS-CBN news anchor Karen Davila in her vlog uploaded earlier this week, the social media influencer shared how he overcame his struggles. 

Benedict was diagnosed with major depressive disorder which he revealed in his earlier vlogs. He has since then taken medication and therapy for it–– something he recommends to his fans who are having struggles with their mental health as well.

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Prior to his hiatus, the internet personality could be spotted everywhere on social media–– TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, among others. He shared that he felt pressure already in delivering content as he had spread himself too thinly.

“Nawala po ako dati dahil hindi ko na po kinaya yung pressure. There came a time when I thought I needed to grab all the opportunities na present. Sabi ko, pag may nag offer kunin ko na agad–– malaki na bayad, maliit na bayad–– kunin ko kasi sayang. Baka in the next two years wala ng dumating at baka humanap na ako ng ibang career,” he shared.

“I would never know until di ko na kinaya. Physically, it is impossible na siya to produce several number of content in a span of one day, two days. Parang tinaggap ko na more than what I can [do],” he added.

Apart from pressure from his work, Benedict revealed he also had pressure at home. The YouTube vlogger felt like he “was carrying the world” while he was making people happy.

“I felt like I was carrying the world and while I was earning and I was making people happy, I didn’t find happiness anymore. First time ko gumising na–– I was not loathing my work–– but walang purpose, walang sense. I’m doing this for nothing, I don’t know anymore. All I know was kailangan kong lumaban, kailangan kong mag work ng walang reason,” he reasoned out.

That was his tipping point where he decided to take a social media break. He then flew to Hawaii where he volunteered for three months and he found himself once more. 

“I got to take a rest kasi if hindi, baka wala na ako,” he revealed.

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When asked what he learned from all of this ordeal, Benedict shared that he became more grateful for his work and for the people surrounding him. He advised the younger generation to seek help as it could help them be enlightened to what they’re feeling now.  

“More than being selfless, to appreciate everything while it's here. Dun ko lang na realize na ay so mamimiss mo lang yung mga tao kapag wala na? Mamimiss mo lang yung work kapag wala na? I should be thankful that there are a lot of types of miracles,” he shared.

“Getting help is not embarrassing. Getting help is good for you. May mga hindi diagnosed pero nahihirapan sa life, nagkakaroon ng trauma na naeenlighten kapag nag therapy sila,” he maintained.