Unlock Resiliency
with Relentless Empathy
In one of the hardest moments of my life, I share intimate details of my struggles finding a sense of self-worth, and reminding others how resilient they truly are.
The Story Behind
Chris Hoquis shares a deeply personal journey of overcoming a decade-long belief that he did not belong or deserve to live. Growing up in an immigrant household from the Philippines, his environment prioritized survival and academic success, while his father strictly enforced a traditional view of masculinity that suppressed all emotional expression. This led him to internalize a persistent feeling of being "not good enough," eventually resulting in self-harm as a misguided attempt to cope with mental duress.
Key Takeaways
01
Ask the "For Real" Question: True mental health awareness starts by moving past superficial greetings and asking yourself or others, "How are you doing, for real?" That sincerity invites an honest look at psychological state and capacity to handle struggle.
02
Practice Acknowledgement: Simply acknowledging someone's presence and validating their feelings gives them an inherent sense of value. You don't need to solve the problem immediately—noticing someone is there and struggling is a powerful first step.
03
Lead with Openness: You don't have to fully understand or agree with someone's perspective to show empathy. An open mind keeps the conversation going and gives others a safer space to articulate what they're going through.
