It was supposed to be an ordinary day for Kuya Kim Atienza, a day meant for quiet grieving and remembrance.
But what he found that morning inside his daughter’s room would once again shatter his heart.

After weeks of mourning, Kuya Kim finally gathered the courage to clean up Eman’s belongings. Her books were still neatly arranged, her notebooks stacked beside her bed, her camera equipment waiting in silence. Everything seemed frozen in time — untouched, as if she would walk through the door any moment and pick up where she left off.

While sorting through her study desk, Kuya Kim found a sealed brown envelope, slightly hidden under a pile of sketchbooks. On the label, written in Eman’s familiar handwriting:
“Private – For Dad, only if I’m gone.”

His hands trembled. He took a deep breath before opening it. Inside was a stack of papers — a medical record issued months before Eman’s passing. His heart pounded harder as his eyes fell upon the first line:
“Diagnosis: Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Features.”

For several minutes, Kuya Kim couldn’t speak. His knees weakened.
In the quiet of that room, he whispered, “So this was what you were going through, anak…”

According to the documents, Eman had been undergoing consultations with a licensed psychiatrist in Los Angeles since March 2025. The reports mentioned episodes of emotional exhaustion, difficulty sleeping, and long bouts of self-doubt. But what struck Kuya Kim the most were the notes written by the attending doctor — short observations about Eman’s inner world:

“Patient exhibits high sensitivity to criticism and social rejection.”
“Shows strong desire for approval and belonging.”
“Expresses guilt over disappointing family despite achievements.”

Each line felt like a dagger — small, sharp truths that revealed a pain his daughter never dared to say out loud.

A Father’s Breaking Point

In an interview later that day, Kuya Kim admitted he had no idea about the depth of Eman’s silent battle.

“She always smiled around us. Always said she was fine. I didn’t know she was carrying something so heavy,” he said, his voice cracking.

He revealed that a few months ago, Eman mentioned having “therapy sessions” online but brushed it off, saying it was “just for stress.”

“I thought it was normal. I told her it’s good she’s taking care of her mental health. But I never thought it was this serious,” Kuya Kim confessed.

After reading through the entire report, he found a handwritten note from Eman at the very end of the folder.
It wasn’t long — just a paragraph, written in a shaky but familiar penmanship:

“Dad, please don’t blame yourself. I tried my best to stay strong. I was getting better, but sometimes the darkness gets louder than the light. Still, thank you for always believing in me.”

Kuya Kim held the note tightly to his chest.
He broke down, whispering: “I wish you told me sooner, anak… I wish I knew.”

Her Silent Struggle

Friends close to Eman later confirmed that she had been vocal about mental health awareness in private conversations. She would often tell her circle that “people need to normalize therapy” and that “it’s okay to not be okay.”

On social media, her posts reflected optimism — photos from her travels, clips of her laughter, her bright smile under the California sun. But behind those images was a young woman fighting an invisible war.

In one of her old Threads posts dated September 2025, she wrote:

“Sometimes, people think confidence means you’re okay. But confidence can also be a shield. It hides the cracks.”

That post, which now has millions of views, became a chilling premonition of what she had been silently enduring.

Family Reaction

Following the discovery, the Atienza family released a heartfelt statement:

“We recently learned details about Eman’s medical journey, and it has opened our eyes to how silent mental health battles can be. We hope her story inspires others to seek help, to speak, and to listen. Let this be a reminder — kindness saves lives.”

They also announced plans to launch a foundation in Eman’s name that will provide free mental health counseling for Filipino students abroad.

“If her story can save even one life,” Kuya Kim said, “then her pain would not have been in vain.”

Public Reaction

The revelation of Eman’s medical records sent waves across social media. Thousands of netizens expressed sympathy and renewed conversations about mental health among the youth.

One comment reads:

“It’s heartbreaking. You can be surrounded by love and still feel alone. Kuya Kim’s story reminds us to check on our strong friends too.”

Another wrote:

“Depression doesn’t always show in tears — sometimes it hides in smiles. Thank you, Kuya Kim, for sharing your daughter’s truth.”

A Legacy of Light

Despite the emotional toll, Kuya Kim remains steadfast in his mission to continue his daughter’s advocacy.
In one of his latest interviews, he said:

“I don’t want Eman to be remembered for her pain, but for her courage. She faced her demons quietly — now, I’ll make sure her voice helps others find the light.”

He then looked up, holding Eman’s notebook, and smiled faintly:

“Anak, I understand now. You were fighting hard. And I’m proud of you — always.”

If you or someone you know is struggling…

Please reach out to professional help:
📞 National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline
1553 | (02) 7989-8727 | 0966-351-4518

A simple “kamusta?” can make a difference.
Because sometimes, the strongest ones are the ones who need saving the most.