Six years ago, Romar Miranda faced his darkest hour, ending up in a psychiatric facility. Now, he’s thanking his 2017 self—a version who survived a suicide attempt, for making it through the storm and even passing the Bar exam.
“Thank you for surviving even when I knew you really, really didn’t want to. All the other better versions of us are proud of you and what you had to overcome,” he said in a powerful message to himself on social media.
Romar, 30, is now one of the 3,812 hopeful lawyers who conquered the grueling 2023 Bar examinations. Celebrating this big milestone, he praised his 2017 version of himself, saying, “In a few days, we are about to take an oath and sign the roll to become a full-fledged lawyer,” he said.
Romar had been diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and depression in 2013 but kept it a secret from his family, fearing they wouldn’t understand, he said in an interview with Rappler.
But later on, he found comfort in sharing his issues with loved ones and connecting with online strangers, who empathized with his situation despite not knowing him personally. This became his lifeline during the toughest times.
“It was really helpful for me because those random internet strangers, even when they didn’t know me, understood me. I shouted at the void of the online space and it answered me back,” said Romar, who is a correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and a senior reporter at Palawan News.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology at the Palawan State University before he took up law.
Preparing for the Bar exam was just as difficult and “the loneliest” experience, but finding a community among classmates in law school proved transformative for Romar’s mental health.
“We were a community. We were all struggling, but we had an understanding that we were struggling together. I am a product of that kindness and generosity,” he shared.
For those facing similar struggles, Romar dished out this piece of advice: “Just let it pass through you and over you.” “Of course it’s uncomfortable, but it’s just a feeling, and feelings always, always run out.”
Netizens, inspired by Romar’s resilience, shared words of encouragement and admiration. From heartfelt congratulations to messages of pride, the online community rallied around Romar’s incredible journey.
@yogawithben commented: “Congrats Romar!!! Well done!!!” Romar responded: “Beeeeennnnn!!!! Congrats! For helping me survive and for everything!”
One netizen, @lance_escober said, “hey, i don’t know you but i’m so proud of you! your narrative of success and bouncing back from the rock bottom will live on. keep going”
“Grabe itong message na ito for yourself and ang glow up mo,” said @misshappywriter
“May you continue to shine and never go back to that dark place you’ve survived from. Sending light, love, and congratulations,” said another.
To the 2017 version of Romar who was admitted in a psychiatric facility after a failed suicide attempt,
I want you to know that we just passed the Bar examinations. In a few days, we are about to take an oath and sign the roll to become a full-fledged lawyer. pic.twitter.com/6vwyNSzFFL
— Romax (@rightnowromar) December 5, 2023
