ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Advocates Philippines
Matet De Leon Opens Up About Her Experience As A PWD, Advocates For Understanding And Empathy
Photo credit: Matet de Leon
Actress Matet de Leon courageously shared her personal journey as a Person With Disability (PWD), shedding light on the daily challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities, particularly those battling mental health issues.
"I have bipolar disorder. I'm a PWD. Hindi halata?" Matet began her post, addressing the misconception that disabilities must always be visible. She recounted an incident at a supermarket where she was subjected to curious glances and even approached by a well-off woman who attempted to have her change lanes. Matet admitted feeling embarrassed and ashamed of herself. She emphasized the difficulty faced by individuals with hidden disabilities who often go unnoticed by others.
Matet further explained her decision to stand in the PWD lane at the supermarket. She noted that she didn't have a senior citizen with her or a visible disability, but she chose the appropriate lane because that's where she belonged. Her message was clear: individuals with mental health issues deserve to be recognized and respected, even if their struggles aren't outwardly apparent.
Expressing her concern for others facing similar challenges, Matet appealed to her audience: "Sana sa lahat ng makakabasa nito, mag-ingat." She highlighted the daily difficulties faced by those with invisible disabilities and urged people not to add to their burdens, especially by making judgments or requiring them to provide identification.
Matet concluded her heartfelt post with a plea for empathy and understanding. She encouraged people to prioritize senior citizens and those who genuinely struggle with mobility issues in queues, emphasizing the need for kindness and consideration.
Matet's candid post serves as a powerful reminder that disabilities come in various forms, and it's essential for society to be more compassionate and inclusive. Her advocacy for awareness and empathy has resonated with many, sparking a meaningful conversation about the challenges faced by PWDs, particularly those with invisible disabilities, in their daily lives.
"I have bipolar disorder. I'm a PWD. Hindi halata?" Matet began her post, addressing the misconception that disabilities must always be visible. She recounted an incident at a supermarket where she was subjected to curious glances and even approached by a well-off woman who attempted to have her change lanes. Matet admitted feeling embarrassed and ashamed of herself. She emphasized the difficulty faced by individuals with hidden disabilities who often go unnoticed by others.
Matet further explained her decision to stand in the PWD lane at the supermarket. She noted that she didn't have a senior citizen with her or a visible disability, but she chose the appropriate lane because that's where she belonged. Her message was clear: individuals with mental health issues deserve to be recognized and respected, even if their struggles aren't outwardly apparent.
Expressing her concern for others facing similar challenges, Matet appealed to her audience: "Sana sa lahat ng makakabasa nito, mag-ingat." She highlighted the daily difficulties faced by those with invisible disabilities and urged people not to add to their burdens, especially by making judgments or requiring them to provide identification.
Matet concluded her heartfelt post with a plea for empathy and understanding. She encouraged people to prioritize senior citizens and those who genuinely struggle with mobility issues in queues, emphasizing the need for kindness and consideration.
Matet's candid post serves as a powerful reminder that disabilities come in various forms, and it's essential for society to be more compassionate and inclusive. Her advocacy for awareness and empathy has resonated with many, sparking a meaningful conversation about the challenges faced by PWDs, particularly those with invisible disabilities, in their daily lives.
Sep 18, 2023
