Pepe Herrera opens up about mental health struggles after exit from 'Your Face Sounds Familiar'
Actor Pepe Herrera got candid about his battle with depression and anxiety attacks shortly after it was announced that he had withdrawn from the singing impersonation competition Your Face Sounds Familiar.
In the show's Nov. 15 episodes, hosts Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario disclosed that Herrera had decided to step away from the competition due to health concerns.
Afterwards, the actor took the time to elaborate on his condition in a video statement posted on the show's social media accounts.
"I haven't been well for decades. After my session with my psychotherapist the other day, I realized I have been struggling with depression and anxiety attacks alternately since I was 13 years old," Herrera confessed.
"I managed to survive because I have developed the ability to escape with the help of band-aid solutions. I was sweeping everything under a rug, not dealing with traumatic experiences I am afraid to face, putting a mask on, making people laugh, and all this time I did not know that the body is keeping score," he continued.
Herrera shared that he has been experiencing panic attacks in the evening, which have prevented him from getting a good night's sleep.
"Either I will be able to sleep only when the sun is shining, or I won't be able to sleep at all. The combination of insomnia and anxiety is making my body experience regular tremors and numbness in different parts of my body," Herrera said.
He further lamented about how his chest pains and headaches are worsening, and how there are times when his thoughts become "darker and darker."
"I feel like I'm drowning. A few days ago, I experienced a turning point. I had a mental breakdown and went through a panic attack because of something I felt on my chest. It was not just heavy; it felt like something was squeezing my lungs violently. I panicked because I thought I was dying. I was terrified," Herrera recounted.
"I moved around outside the house while walking barefoot on the grass, praying, begging, talking to my body and to God to make the pain stop. Eventually, it stopped. Feeling exhausted, I made the promise to my body that I will never abuse it again by escaping," he continued.
After having a long conversation with his wife, Herrera decided to take an indefinite leave from work and commit to getting treatment.
"As a breadwinner, this was a very difficult decision for me. I became good [at] pretending because I need to provide for my family. But my wife and I agreed that this needs to be done," he stressed.
He went on to express his gratitude towards the health professionals and friends who have extended a helping hand to him throughout the years.
"After more than three decades of trying to be a people pleaser, I decided to choose myself and my healing," Herrera stressed.
He ended his statement by apologizing to his Your Face Sounds Familiar family for his sudden exit and giving his support to his fellow contestants.
"I can be the Pepe who can get tired of being a clown, and I can be the Pepe who can be very serious. And from now on, you will see the most sincere and truthful version of me," Herrera highlighted.
"For those who are also struggling, I hope you get the help you need and the healing that you deserve. I hope you rediscover the courage to work on that for yourself and your family."
Herrera gained prominence for his role as Benny in the television series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano and is noted for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles.
With his exit, Your Face Sounds Familiar Season 4 will move forward with the remaining contestants, which include Akira Morishita, Alexa Ilacad, Dia Maté, Jarlo Bâse, Jason Dy, JM Dela Cerna, Marielle Montellano, and Rufa Mae Quinto.
