Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 29) — Kobe Paras on Thursday revealed he battled with depression and suicidal thoughts after he returned to the country four years ago.
“When I moved back to the Philippines four years ago, I was at my lowest. I was depressed, suicidal, I just felt so lost,” the basketball star shared on Twitter. “Until now, there are days I don’t feel like me.”
Kobe is the son of Philippine Basketball Association legend Benjie Paras and actress Jackie Forster.
After playing some of his collegiate years in the United States, Kobe returned to the Philippines in 2018 to join the UP Fighting Maroons, helping the Diliman-based squad make it to the Final Four for the second straight year during the UAAP Season 82. He was also awarded as one of the Mythical Five that season.
Recently, he decided to forgo his last playing year with UP to join a US-based sports agency that also handles Filipino basketball prodigy Kai Sotto.
Kobe left some piece of advice for those who are also struggling like him: “Whatever you’re going through, find a purpose and stick to it. It’s not easy at all. Only you can save yourself.”
If you are in need of mental health support, please call the 24/7 National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at (0917) 899-8727, (0966)-351-4518, (0908)-639-2672 or 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free)
when I moved back to the Philippines 4 years ago, I was at my lowest.
I was depressed, suicidal, I just felt so lost.
Until now there are days I don’t feel like me.
Whatever you’re going through, find a purpose and stick to it.
It’s not easy at all
Only you can save yourself🧘🏽♂️— Kobe Lorenzo Forster Paras (@_kokoparas) April 29, 2021
