Kim Atienza's Emotional Interview About His Daughter Emman Is A Powerful Reminder That Mental Health Looks Different For Everyone

Although Emmanuelle "Emman" Atienza may have passed away, her spirit and legacy of "a little kindness" continue to live on in the hearts of all the people whose lives she touched.

In an interview with journalist Jessica Soho, Emman's father, Kim "Kuya Kim" Atienza, shared that his daughter's life was the best 19 years of his own—years filled with life, energy, authenticity, and, most importantly, kindness that will never be forgotten.

Kim said those qualities shone through during the years Emman was active on social media as an influencer. He proudly recalled how she was never afraid to speak her mind about controversial issues and, more importantly, how she used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and kindness online.

"I'd like to think that my daughter Emman did not die in vain. Kasi we know that Emman is sick. And she had a few attempts in the past," Kim opened. "And my prayer to the Lord every single day was for this not to happen. For Emman to be safe, for Emman to be happy, for Emman to heal. Yet this happened. And I know that nothing happens as an accident. And I know that all things work out well. Everything is planned by the Lord. That gives me peace," he added.

ICYMI, the Atienza family announced on October 24 that Emman had passed away in Los Angeles, USA. While the details surrounding her death were not expressly disclosed, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner confirmed that she died by suicide.

Kim openly shared how Emman fought hard for her life, her happiness, and the happiness of others throughout her journey. She was clinically diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by her childhood, something Emman had also openly discussed before in podcast with Toni Gonzaga.

"In one of her attempts in the past, meron siyang mga kinausap na therapist at sinabi ng mga psychologist na ito ang cause niya. Nagkaroon siya ng PTSD," Kim explained, saying that before, they were keeping the story private. But to his surprise, Emman shared it publicly not to gain sympathy, but as a way to cope and inspire others.

"Nagulat na lang kami nung biglang nilabas pala niya sa interview. Open siya eh. That's why we thought that she's okay. Because despite her pain, she was reaching out. Despite her pain, nagkukwento siya eh,” he added saying that Emman have put up a strong front that nobody knew she was suffering.

According to Kim, two days before Emman's passing, she reached out to her parents and told them she was in an emergency situation and needed to see a therapist. However, she assured them that there was no self-harm and that they didn't need to worry.

"We tried calling her, hindi sumasagot. And then the next day, we tried calling her again, hindi naman sumasagot... And then on the second day, I woke up in the morning, [at] may message si Feli. 'I have terrible, terrible news,'" Kim recalled, adding that it was then his wife told him about Emman's passing.

Nothing can ever describe the pain of losing a child, and Kim knows this all too well. But despite his grief, he shared that he will continue to stand on his faith to God despite all the pain.

He added that he holds no regrets and harbors no resentment, not even toward the bashers, haters, or the helper who hurt his daughter because Emman herself would want people to be treated with "a little kindness." And that, Kim said, is what will keep her memory alive.

Kim's reflection reminds us that there's no single path to healing. For some, it means opening up and talking about it; for others, it's staying quiet or finding comfort in faith. What matters most is empathy—the willingness to understand that everyone's mental health journey looks different, and that a little kindness, as Emman lived by, truly goes a long way.

On Instagram, Kim shared the details of his daughter's wake which will be held at Chapel 5, The Heritage Memorial Park, on November 3 and 4. The viewing will be open to the public from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

If you feel that you need help and advice for yourself or anyone else, please contact The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline, a 24/7 confidential services hotline for psychiatric emergencies, suicidal thoughts, depression, and other issues at (02) 7989-8727 or (0917) 899-8727 (or 0917 899-USAP). You can also reach out to Hopeline, a 24/7 Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention hotline in the Philippines, by calling (02) 8804-4673, (0917) 558-4673 (Globe), or (0918) 873-4673 (Smart). Here is a more complete list of hotlines you can reach out to for further assistance.