Angelu de Leon reveals depression battle due to Bell’s palsy

MANILA, Philippines — Actress and Pasig City Councilor Angelu de Leon opened up about her battle with Bell’s palsy, revealing that the condition also led her to experience severe depression.

The actress admitted that dealing with Bell’s palsy was particularly difficult because her appearance is an important part of her work in showbiz.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face.

In a Facebook post, Angelu shared how the health condition affected not only her physical appearance but also her emotional well-being.

She first experienced Bell’s palsy in 2009 and suffered a relapse in 2016.

“Sa totoo lang, nagkaroon din ako ng depression dahil sa Bell’s Palsy. Bilang artista, ‘mukha ang puhunan mo.’ Kaya hindi madaling tanggapin kapag biglang nagbago ang mukha mo,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Angelu said she remained grateful for the opportunities that came her way, including having her face featured on an EDSA billboard and becoming part of the historical drama series “Pulang Araw.”

“Pero sa kabila ng lahat, pinagpala pa rin ako ng Diyos—nagkaroon pa ako ng billboard sa EDSA at naging bahagi ng Pulang Araw,” she added.

The experience also changed Angelu’s perspective on beauty, self-worth and the importance of taking care of one's health.

“Natutunan ko na hindi doon nasusukat ang halaga ko. Maaaring ang mukha ang puhunan sa showbiz, pero ang buhay, pagkatao, at halaga natin ay higit pa sa ating panlabas na anyo. Health is wealth,” she said.

Angelu also reminded her followers not to take their health for granted and to prioritize their well-being before health problems arise.

“Huwag nating balewalain ang ating kalusugan. Huwag nating hintaying may mangyari bago natin alagaan ang ating sarili,” she added.

Now serving as a councilor in Pasig City, Angelu continues to balance her public service duties with her career in entertainment.

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