Ice Seguerra Reveals Battling Depression for Nearly 17 Years

On February 21, 2022, singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra shared a post on his Instagram revealing that he has been dealing with depression for nearly 17 years and has learned to live with it. He also shared the realities of the condition and a piece of advice for others.

Ice Seguerra Gets Candid on Instagram

Ice posted a quote from R.M. Drake saying, “Let this be a reminder. Whatever it is that is causing all of this stress. All of this anxiety. Depression and worry. Will pass. And you will survive. And move on. As you always have. A bad day. is still. Just a day. And tomorrow is a new one. Stay strong.”

“[I’ve been] living with depression for almost 17 years now, I’ve come to accept that this will be my life from here on. With acceptance comes embracing the fact there will be days, weeks, or months that I won’t be okay, without really understanding why. But I also know that it will pass. That one day, I can be myself again,” he wrote in his caption.

The singer-songwriter related his illness to a “roller coaster ride.” There were days when he finds it tiring. “Bad days will outnumber” the good ones, he says. And  in spite of all that he still finds a good day to be “worth all the struggle.”

He ended his post by reminding people who are in the same boat that “it will pass” and that they will get through it. In addition to that, he left them with the advice to “get professional help, take your meds, talk to family and friends.”

“Please soldier on and hold tight, because regardless of what you’re going through, life is still worth the fight.”

In 2019, Ice first spoke about his mental health, sharing that he was diagnosed with both depression and anxiety in the early 2000s. He also noted that the condition “kills your passion” and “kills your soul.” 

Last October 10, 2021, he released a single titled, “Wag Kang Aalis,” in celebration of World Mental Health Day.

A Closer Look into Depression 

While many people may have this idea of depression as being “all sad,” it is more than that. According to the American Psychological Association, depression or major depressive disorder is a serious medical condition with a negative impact on how a person feels, thinks, and acts. It can lead to all sorts of emotional and physical problems, as well as a reduction in one’s ability to function on the daily. 

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including the following:

• Suffering from a sad or depressed mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities
• Appetite changes (weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting)
• Sleeping difficulties or oversleeping
• Increased fatigue or loss of energy
• Increased unproductive physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, hand-wringing)
• Slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough for other people to notice)
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Problems thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
• Suicidal or death-related thoughts

Anxiety and depression are two distinct conditions, but they frequently coexist. Anxiety can be a sign of clinical (major) depression. Many people who have anxiety disorders may also have clinical depression.

The following treatments can help alleviate the symptoms of both conditions:

• Psychological counseling (psychotherapy)
• Medications (i.e., antidepressants)
• Combination of the two

Lifestyle changes, such as better sleeping habits, increased social support, stress-reduction techniques, dietary modifications, and regular physical activity may also be beneficial. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and other recreational drugs can also help in the process of treatment. It would also be best to consult a doctor if things get a little bit beyond your control.

Ice is not the first celebrity to speak out about his struggles with depression and anxiety. Kylie Padilla, BB Gandang Hari, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Isabelle Daza, and Heart Evangelista are among those who have opened up about their struggles with mental illness on their respective social media.

Learn more about Healthy Mind here.