Janella Salvador opens up on trauma from past relationship with drinking issue

Trigger warning: abuse, trauma

MANILA, Philippines — Actress Janella Salvador has opened up about taking therapy sessions for trauma she experienced from a past relationship with alcohol issues.

Janella was the latest guest on the YouTube channel video series of Karen Davila where the journalist centered their conversations on the actress celebrating Christmas as a single mother.

After a brief tour of Janella's house, Karen discussed with Janella her relationship and parenting situation with ex-partner Markus Paterson and their son Jude before pivoting to traumatic experiences.

"Siguro bago siya umabot sa situation na maging cycle or abusive, doon ko in-end," Janella began. "I wouldn't allow myself to stay in a situation where I know it might happen again and again."

Karen then asked about Janella's trauma with drunkards, to which the actress clarified she still enjoys going out for drinks. The actress said that her trauma is centered on partners who come home intoxicated and give her anxiety.

Janella admitted to initially seeking help while the trauma was fresh but acknowledged she still needs more therapy.

"May stigma kasi na 'pag nag-therapy ka parang, 'Ay, ano bayan may something [siya].' Pero hindi eh, kailangan siya, everyone needs it for their own development," Janella said.

As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign ran into December, Janella shared her advice for women suffering abuse.

Janella reflected on a statement she released regarding an abusive partner that had her questioning if the fault was hers. In hindsight, she acknowledged that the said person is likely taking steps to be better and apologize for it.

"I really had to learn how to get by and heal myself on my own, and just forgive," Janella said when asked how she walked away from an abusive partner. "Hindi kailangan mag-sorry 'yung tao para mag-forgive ka. It's not okay for women to experience that, of course."

The actress ended with praise for herself for managing to get out of an abusive relationship, "Para respetuhin ka ng tao, respetuhin mo muna sarili mo, and you should be able to walk away from situations na alam mo won't benefit you anymore in the long run." — Video from Karen Davila's YouTube channel

RELATED: 'So far kinakaya naman': Janella Salvador shares struggles as a single mom