Artwork by SERIFA
Thomas Orlina is connecting with those who struggle with mental health through music.
This essay is a part of the series Vogue Voices, Vogue Philippines’ biweekly series of personal essays on memory, culture, moments, identity, family, and community.
Growing up in a Filipino household in Los Angeles, I observed how my family operated. Whenever we had disagreements or problems, we didn’t talk about them; we let issues fester until there was something new to focus on. Internalizing problems was my only coping mechanism which left me feeling frustrated and isolated. Dealing with my problems and expressing them was a constant challenge, emotionally and mentally.
I never really thought about my mental health growing up because it wasn’t a topic that was brought up. I knew therapy existed, but I always assumed it was for people who were in a bad place. In our culture, therapy is stigmatized, which prevents many people, myself included for many years, from seeking help that they may need. Even Filipino Internet memes today draw from the reality of the generational traumas we often find familiarity in and laugh about now.
“Prioritizing mental health is not only for when someone is unwell, it is also an ongoing practice.”
In adulthood, my perception of prioritizing mental health has changed. My passion for advocating for mental health began when I started to reflect on certain behaviors I wasn’t proud of and past patterns I wanted to break. Unresolved issues began to stare back at me in the mirror. I knew it was time to seek help. During this period, I was inspired to write my third single, “This Time,” and for the music video, we intended it to be a short film that depicted the relatable pressures of rejection from the Hollywood industry. In the video, I am seen feeling the emotions of depression and anxiety. The visual also included my ever-challenging relationship with drinking.
Through this project, I received tons of positive feedback on social media that connected with the lyrics I wrote. Since then, I have supported a non-profit organization, Asian Mental Health Project, whose mission is to raise awareness for mental health especially within the AAPI community. My goal is to continue to champion the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and removing the stigma about talking about mental health and seeking mental health services. Prioritizing mental health is not only for when someone is unwell; it is also an ongoing practice. It is a safe space to talk through your issues with a therapist, or otherwise qualified guide, who can be instrumental in getting through life’s challenges, big or small.
The previous stigma around seeking therapy is one that I hope to dissolve, and my plan is to continue to raise awareness and change the narrative around seeking professional guidance when you need it. Today, I am a much stronger individual and one that is empowered to stand up, speak up, break old patterns, and change my behavioral choices for the better. There are still many things in the mental wellness space I’d like to accomplish, but sharing this experience openly and honestly is a positive step in the right direction to changing the perception of the importance of prioritizing yourself. I’m honored to be at the helm of creating a safer space for those who are interested in taking control of their mental health.
Thomas Orlina is a Filipino-American artist, advocate, and producer. For a decade, he has worked in the entertainment industry in areas like celebrity entertainment news, unscripted and scripted television, production, film, publicity, corporate communications, public affairs, creative advertising and special events at various Fortune 100 movie studios.
