In order to illustrate the debilitating effects of Anxiety, we made everyday decisions feel like life and death situations – literally. Set in an airplane cabin and café, respectively, our narrators describe the approach of Death as they’re forced to make a simple, everyday decision, putting the audience in their shoes.

The Philippines only recently passed a mental health bill. Mental Health has only been recently recognized as a serious problem. But even then, it has a long way to go.

One of the most commonly misunderstood and underestimated mental illnesses in the Philippines is Anxiety. Not realizing its debilitating effects, you would oft hear Filipinos telling those who suffer from it that it’s just “nerves” or they should just “get over it.”

Filipinos don’t take Anxiety seriously at all.

A dark shadow hung by the corner behind the counter – it was Death. I was sure. The smell of coffee couldn’t mask his presence.

What was he doing here? Was he here for me? God, of course he was.

I thought about running, but my eyes met Death’s and I knew this was it.

I froze. He smiled.

The line started to move and my heart sank.

I started sweating, the edges of my vison blurred, and just when time started to slow, I was next!

I couldn’t breathe. Why couldn’t I breathe?

I said things, words came out, but I don’t remember any of them. I just wanted more time!

Death stared at me, smiling and asked:

“Ma’am, will you be having that for here or to go?”

Anxiety can make everyday decisions

Feel like life and death.

If you need someone to talk to

Call the Philippine Psychiatric Association,

at 635 9858 or message us on Facebook.