I always wait for the hype to finish before I post about it. On 22 October 2025, one of my most-watched influencers, Emman Atienza, decided it was time to end it. She was only 19.

Emman Atienza was born into a prominent Filipino family. Her father, Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza, is a well-known television host, weather presenter, and animal advocate, admired for his educational segments and love for nature. Her mother, Felicia Hung-Atienza, of Taiwanese descent, is the president of the Philippine Eagle Foundation and a successful businesswoman with a background in finance and education; Emman often described her as the family’s primary provider and inspiration. Emman’s grandfather, Lito Atienza, is a veteran politician and former mayor of Manila, known for his decades of public service and strong family values. Together, the Atienza family represents a blend of public service, education, and advocacy, the values that shaped Emman’s upbringing and personal outlook.

I was devastated upon hearing the news because she was so young and vibrant! And she’s just recently posted a happy post! I mean, that’s unexpected no matter how she’s been vocal about her medical history and how she’s told everyone that she was suicidal. It was still hard to believe.

When everything has sunk in, my first thought was, “Sayang! (an expression of regret for a missed opportunity) A lot of people, including me, will do everything to extend our lives.”

It was just a fleeting thought because right after hearing the news, my mind immediately shifted to my own failing body. I was insensitive and self-centered.

Emman, was of course not at all healthy. She struggled with her mental health since she was a kid. She had multiple suicide attempts, and finally, her mind succumbed to it. She was abused by her nanny and harassed and bullied by her schoolmates. She was diagnosed as bipolar and clinically depressed.

Depression is like cancer. It affects both the young and the old, the rich and the poor.

It’s not something we can question by saying:
“How did he die? He was so young!”
“He had cancer.”
“But even though, he was young! Young people don’t die of cancer.”

With Emman, the remarks were similar:
“She’s so privileged. How could she end her life?”
“She had clinical depression.”
“But even though, she’s privileged! Privileged people don’t die of suicide.”

We are dumb if we believe that.

I won’t deal with the evangelical bullies who keep dictating the wrongness of the situation, saying she went straight to hell and throwing judgment all over social media. Why do people feel the need to spam every post about her, rebuking her family and even Emman herself?

I am a Christian, and in situations like Emman’s, I just give it to the Lord. Her father has been open about how he always prayed for her and shared his faith with her, hoping she would accept Jesus and be saved. Only God knows if she did. People can judge all they want, but in the end, it’s between Emman and the Lord.

I feel sad. People struggle with mental health crises everyday, I really pray life would be not as hard…