THE Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) on Friday said the Filipino youth is not weak, stressing that associating depression with weakness promotes shame and discourages people from seeking help. ​The statement comes after Sen. Robin Padilla said in a Senate hearing that today’s Filipino youth are weak and that the word "depression" was virtually unknown to him in the past. ​“We are concerned by recent public remarks from Senator Robin Padilla describing today’s young people as 'weak,’ as reported by different news outlets. This framing is stigmatizing and misleading, and it risks harming children, adolescents, and families who are navigating real mental health challenges,” the PAP said in a statement. ​The group said that openness about mental health reflects higher mental health literacy and better help-seeking behavior. ​Furthermore, the association emphasized that true strength lies in acknowledging suffering and seeking support, not in denying emotional or psychological difficulties. ​“Strength is recognizing distress, seeking support, and building systems of care grounded in evidence,” the association said. ​The PAP said children and adolescents deserve “accuracy, dignity, and science-based understanding,” instead of labels that silence their struggles. ​The group urged individuals to seek professional help if they or someone they know experiences symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of self-harm. ​“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a meaningful act of self-care and responsibility,” it added, noting that early recognition and consultation are crucial in recovery. ​The association said it remains open to working with the Senate and other institutions to forward mental health initiatives and reduce stigma through evidence-based programs. ​Padilla has since defended his remarks, saying they were backed by data.