BIKTIMA pala ng pambu-bully noong bata ang singer-actor na si Markki Stroem dahil sa malaking nunal sa kanyang pisngi bukod pa sa nakahiligan din niyang lumabas sa mga stage play sa eskuwelahan.
May bago siyang video na ipinost sa kanyang Instagram account na may nakalagay na, “It’s okay not to be okay #UnmaskYourFears” na ang background music ay ang bago niyang single na “Sanity.”
Ang ginamit na video ay ang mga kuha sa pictorial shoot niya noong kaarawan niya kung saan makikita siyang hubo’t hubad (pero hindi kita ang kanyang pagkalalaki).
Ang caption na inilagay ni Markki sa kanyang post ay, “Hope you guys can take time to read and watch this. It is an advocacy near and dear to my heart.
“Let me tell you a little story, as a child, I was always told that there was no such thing as depression or ADHD and all of those problems will go away in time. This is what caused me to suffer for years in the shadows.
“As a child, I was bullied incessantly because of the big mole on my face or because I enjoyed the performing arts.
“They would call me every name in the book. I got so depressed to the point that I had thoughts of ending it all… It was tough for a 13-year old boy living in a world that I could not share my innermost insecurities.
“This is why I decided to narrate my story. These next few songs, starting with Sanity, are my inner most thoughts and vulnerabilities. I wanted to express them all here.
“I have grown so much through the years that when I think that I am feeling depressed, I #UnmaskMyLoneliness by telling a friend. When My ADHD is acting up, I meditate to #UnmaskMyConfusion,” ang tuluy-tuloy pang pahayag ni Markki.
Aniya pa, “Now, I am sure a lot can relate because of these trying times, when I feel my Anxiety, I talk to my family or friends to #UnmaskMyFears.
“I have taken control of my destiny, people still say bad things about me, now more than ever, although NOW they have no power over me.
“Their opinion of me is their business, not mine. I have fallen in LOVE with myself, especially my imperfections and realized that #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay.
“Please check out my music video Sanity on Youtube https://youtu.be/1JY0JZG3UGo ! Raising awareness for suicide and self harm.
“An increase of 25.7% in suicide rates in the Philippines since the start of the pandemic is no joke. Let’s take care of each other and always stay safe! Don’t unmask yourselves literally! Always stay protected. Love you all,” paalala pa ng binatang aktor.
Marami naman ang bumati sa binata at nagsabing ipagpatuloy lang nito ang kanyang advocacy tungkol sa mental health.