Actor and stage performer Pepe Herrera has stepped back from regular social media activity, revealing that a much-needed digital break has helped him cope with ongoing mental health challenges.
Cheerful, funny, goofy, entertaining—that’s the image Pepe became known for when he started in showbiz. But who would have thought that he had been carrying anxiety caused by past trauma?
In an Instagram post dated November 3, Herrera offered a candid look into why he has chosen to limit his online presence.
“Recently, I have been taking a break from posting anything (except for collaboration posts) and scrolling to enjoy the nourishing effects of social media detox,” he wrote. He shared that he felt compelled to open up, hoping his story “might help someone who is experiencing the same thing.”
Herrera disclosed that he has been grappling with anxiety since 2023, with recent episodes intensifying at night—often leaving him unable to sleep. The loss of rest, he said, has made managing the attacks even more difficult.
“One of my therapists said I’m also experiencing a type of PTSD,” he added, explaining that it may be linked to “the amount of abuse I have experienced and witnessed since my early years.”
To support others facing similar struggles, the actor went on to share five key insights he has learned through therapy, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and prioritizing mental well-being.
Pepe shared that seeking help is a sign of strength and wisdom; that when overwhelming thoughts take over, grounding himself in his body can help; and that listening to his body is essential because it keeps score and tries to protect him.
He also highlighted the power of language, noting that shifting phrases like “I am anxious” to “I am feeling anxious” helps him avoid attaching his identity to difficult emotions, allowing them to flow instead of trapping him in self-pity.
Finally, he said that during anxiety triggers or attacks, movement has become his healthiest way to release heavy energy without passing the trauma on to others, and he intends to share the routine that has helped him.
