Nilait dahil sa hitsura… MARKKI, KUMANTANG NAISIP MAG-SUICIDE

ni Reggee Bonoan - @Sheet Matters | April 21, 2021

Sa bagong single ni Markki Stroem na Sanity, sa background music ng video post nito sa kanyang social media account ay nakahubad siya, na kuha sa nakaraang pictorial shoot niya para sa kanyang kaarawan.

“It’s okay not to be okay #UnmaskYourFears,” ang titulo ng kanyang video na naglalarawan tungkol sa kanya bilang biktima ng bullying noong bata siya.

Ang caption ni Markki, “Hope you guys can take time to read and watch this. It is an advocacy near and dear to my heart.

“Let me tell you a little story, as a child, I was always told that there was no such thing as depression or ADHD and all of those problems will go away in time. This is what caused me to suffer for years in the shadows.

“As a child, I was bullied incessantly because of the big mole on my face or because I enjoyed the performing arts. They would call me every name in the book. I got so depressed to the point that I had thoughts of ending it all... It was tough for a 13-year-old boy living in a world that I could not share my innermost insecurities.

“This is why I decided to narrate my story. These next few songs, starting with Sanity, are my innermost thoughts and vulnerabilities. I wanted to express them all here.

“I have grown so much through the years that when I think that I am feeling depressed, I #UnmaskMyLoneliness by telling a friend. When my ADHD is acting up, I meditate to #UnmaskMyConfusion.

“Now, I am sure a lot can relate because of these trying times, when I feel my anxiety, I talk to my family or friends to #UnmaskMyFears.

“I have taken control of my destiny, people still say bad things about me, now more than ever, although NOW they have no power over me. Their opinion of me is their business, not mine. I have fallen in LOVE with myself, especially my imperfections and realized that #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay

“Please check out my music video Sanity on YouTube https://youtu.be/1JY0JZG3UGo! Raising awareness for suicide and self harm.

“An increase of 25.7% in suicide rates in the Philippines since the start of the pandemic is no joke. Let’s take care of each other and always stay safe! Don’t unmask yourselves literally! Always stay protected. Love you all.”