Content warning: This story mentions depression and mental health issues.
MANILA, Philippines — Host-model and former Miss Universe Philippines titleholder Rabiya Mateo opened up about being diagnosed with depression last year.
The beauty queen shared on her Facebook account a January 2025 medical certificate from psychiatrist Dr. Regine Anne Oscuro.
The certificate indicated that then-28-year-old Rabiya was evaluated at the doctor's outpatient clinic and upon a comprehensive assessment, displayed symptoms for a Major Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress diagnosis.
The psychiatrist recommended Rabiya step away momentarily from professional duties to "facilitate symptom stabilization and ensure complete recovery," and was advised to take prescribed medications and schedule follow-up appointments.
Rabiya reiterated the certificate's contents in her Facebook post's caption, calling for mental health awareness, confirming she left the Philippines for three months following the depression and anxious distress diagnosis in order to not be "triggered by people who have no idea what I've been going through."
"Everyday was a struggle to survive. I almost deactivated everything and disappear to have a quiet and peaceful life. I fought hard and still fighting up until now," Rabiya continued.
The beauty queen then mentioned how the passing of Emman Atienza, who was also public about her mental health struggles, affected the Atienza family, including television presenter Kuya Kim.
"I made a promise to myself to never give up because I don't want my Mama to experience the same thing," Rabiya ended. "You don't know how little kindness mean to a depressed person like me and how your words can push me to do something else."
Rabiya had posted the certificate copy after sharing Facebook statuses in response to comments she received for asking where to eat in her home province of Iloilo.
"Remember when we lost Emman Atienza? Many of you posted about spreading kindness and love. But you all are the first to bully your neighbors," Rabiya said in a mix of English and Hiligaynon. "Your words can kill. Tandaan nyo na please."
Rabiya was the first woman to represent the Philippines at Miss Universe following the formation of the Miss Universe Philippines organization, which assumed local franchise rights from longtime owner Binibining Pilipinas.
She would go on to finish in the Top 21 as the Miss Universe crown went to Mexico for a third time, courtesy of Andrea Meza.
After crowning her successor, Bea Luigi Gomez, Rabiya signed a contract with GMA Network to start her acting and hosting career.
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If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at +63 917 899 8727 or 7989 8727 for immediate support.