On August 6, 2025, USA TODAY published an article by Amaris Encinas titled “It’s not you, it’s me. ChatGPT doesn’t want to be your therapist or friend.” The piece highlighted OpenAI’s intentional stance: ChatGPT is not designed to serve as a mental health provider or to substitute for genuine human connection. Instead, it is a tool—one that can help with information, guidance, or even light emotional support, but never as a replacement for therapy or friendship.

This raises an important question: What does this mean for people who rely on chatbots for emotional connection, especially in cultures where mental health stigma remains strong, such as in the Philippines?

In this episode, we dive into the viral statement of actress Liza Soberano: “Mind your f**ing business.” At first, it may sound harsh and rebellious, pero when you look deeper, it’s a raw expression of the pressure, judgment, and expectations she constantly faces.

As a parent and a Christian, I share my reflections on how her words echo a deeper cry for space — the right to live her own story. We’ll talk about what it means to respect boundaries, both for ourselves and our children, and why the Bible reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 to “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands.”

Join me as we explore how Liza’s bold words open up a bigger conversation on mental health, family, and faith — and why sometimes, “minding your own business” is exactly what love looks like.

In today’s digital age, self-esteem is no longer shaped solely by mirrors or magazines—it’s shaped by screens. And perhaps nowhere is this more evident than on TikTok.

What used to be a fun platform for dance videos and silly trends has evolved into a powerful force shaping how young people see themselves. While it can be a space for creativity and connection, it can also distort our perceptions of beauty, self-worth, and identity—especially for adolescents.

As a therapist working with teens and families, I see firsthand how TikTok impacts mental health. This blog is a reflection of those experiences and offers insight into how we can respond—with wisdom, compassion, and hope.

In many Filipino households, academic excellence is seen as the golden ticket to a better future. From the time we’re little, we’re told:

“Mag-aral kang mabuti, yan lang ang puhunan mo sa buhay.”“Top 1 ka ulit ha — para kay mama at papa.”“Walang cellphone pag mababa ang grades.”

Sound familiar?

These words come from a place of love. Our parents, many of whom had fewer opportunities, believe that education is the way up and out. But in the process, school pressure and academic anxiety have become an emotional burden for many Filipino students.

Let’s talk about that — and more importantly, let’s talk about why your grades don’t define your worth.

Talking to your parents about mental health can feel intimidating—especially when you grew up in a traditional Filipino household.

Many teens today are becoming more aware of their mental well-being. But just because you understand what anxiety or depression is doesn’t mean your parents do. In fact, in many Filipino families, the topic of mental health is rarely discussed or even misunderstood.

So how do you begin that conversation?

Let’s walk through this together—with practical tips and examples you can use right away.

These days, almost all of us are on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter — sometimes all at once. For parents, we stay online to keep track of the kids. For wives, it’s a way to find inspiration or relax. For young professionals, it’s often part of work and networking.

But sometimes, without realizing it, our mental health starts to take the hit. Sound familiar? Let’s talk about whether social media is really helping us — or harming us — and how we can use it more mindfully.

Why Do We Procrastinate—Even When We Know Better?
You’ve got a deadline. You’ve got time. But somehow, you still end up scrolling, snacking, or doing anything except the task at hand. Sound familiar?

In this episode, we dive into the psychology behind procrastination—not just what we do, but why we do it. From fear of failure to perfectionism to emotional avoidance, procrastination is rarely about laziness. It's about how our brain copes with discomfort.

Whether you're a student, a working professional, or just tired of putting things off, this episode will help you better understand your patterns—and how to start breaking them.

Ever feel like you’re just existing, not really living?
Maybe you've caught yourself thinking, “I don’t feel anything” or “I’m just going through the motions.” If so, you’re not alone.

Emotional numbness is more common than you think. It can show up in busy parents juggling nonstop responsibilities, young professionals facing burnout, or students just trying to survive the pressure of everyday life. It’s that disconnect when joy, sadness—even anger—seems distant or missing.

In this episode, we’ll explore why emotional numbness happens, how it quietly affects your daily life, and what small steps you can take to start feeling like you again.