Nadine Lustre and BYS Cosmetics’ makeup line Lustrous threw an anniversary bash to remember. For their #IAmLustrous campaign, the brand also wanted to promote World Mental Health Day, bringing together a group of women who inspired us to speak up.
One of these brave women is mother and businesswoman Michelle Asence-Fontelera, known for blazing her own trail in the beauty industry with her fragrance brand Zen Zest.
Related: WATCH: Nadine Lustre Opens Up About Mental Illness For Her Latest Lustrous Campaign
“I started my struggle with depression and anxiety a few years ago, when my eldest son, who is a special child, got sick,” shares Michelle during our interview. “He was in and out of the hospital and it was mentally and emotionally draining for me. I went through a lot of nervous breakdowns.”
It was after experiencing these episodes that she decided to ask for help by going to a psychiatrist. “I was prescribed some medicines but that didn’t work for me; they’re not for everyone. Later on, I took a more holistic approach. I did reiki therapy, energy cleansing and hypnotherapy–all of which I still do regularly to this day.”
What Michelle really wants her audience to know is that there shouldn’t be any shame in asking for help. While the weight of one’s problems might seem unbearable, she wants you to know that with enough guidance, the struggle will pass.
“I decided to take part in this Lustrous campaign because I stand for their cause. Depression and anxiety are silent illnesses that not a lot of people want to talk about,” Michelle tells us. “It’s time that we speak up. I believe that by doing so, we can save lives.”
To watch Michelle Asence-Fontelera’s full story and others’ please head to @lustrousph IGTV and Facebook #IAmLustrousHearHerStory
