Rabiya Mateo Speaks Out About Her Battle With Depression And Online Bullying

Trigger warning: This story tackles anxiety, suicide, depression, and body dysmorphia. 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.

Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo has bravely opened up about her battle with depression and anxious distress, revealing that she was diagnosed in 2025. The beauty queen took to Facebook to share a medical certificate confirming her diagnosis and the emotional journey that unfolded behind the spotlight.

The certificate she shared was dated back to January 7, 2025 from psychiatrist Dr. Regine Anne L. Oscuro. The evaluation indicated that then-28-year-old Rabiya was experiencing symptoms consistent with "Major Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress."

According to Good Health Psych, Major Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress is a form of depression marked by persistent low mood paired with heightened anxiety. People with this condition often feel restless, constantly worry about what might happen, and struggle with a sense of losing control, intensifying both the emotional and physical challenges of depression.

As part of her treatment plan, she was advised to temporarily step back from professional commitments, follow a prescribed medication regimen, and attend regular follow-up appointments to "ensure complete recovery."

Rabiya shared that the past year wasn't easy. She went through several rounds of medication and even left the country for three months to step away from situations that could trigger her anxiety. She admitted that there were times she considered deactivating her social media accounts entirely, seeking a quiet and peaceful life.

"Every day was a struggle to survive… I fought hard and [am] still fighting up until now," she wrote.

Her decision to speak out was influenced by recent events involving Emman Atienza, the late daughter of TV host Kuya Kim Atienza. Seeing the pain experienced by the Atienza family strengthened her resolve to keep going, especially for her mother. "I made a promise to myself to never give up because I don't want my Mama to experience the same thing," Rabiya shared.

Rabiya used her platform to also remind people of the power of kindness, particularly for those dealing with mental health challenges. She emphasized how simple gestures or supportive words can profoundly impact someone struggling silently.

At the same time, she issued a heartfelt call to end bullying, noting how harmful words can leave lasting scars, even for those who seem strong on the outside. "You don't know how little kindness means to a depressed person like me, and how your words can push me to do something else," she added.

The conversation around her mental health disclosure began after a seemingly casual Facebook question about food in her home province of Iloilo. Some users responded with mocking and harsh comments, prompting Rabiya to post a series of emotionally charged statuses addressing online bullying.

In one post written in a mix of English and Hiligaynon, she said, "Many of you posted about spreading kindness and love. But you all are the first to bully your neighbors. Your words can kill. Tandaan nyo na please."

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.