Unlocking the Power Within: Saab Magalona-Bacarro’s Inspiring Journey with ADHD and Beyond

Ever felt like your brain has a million tabs open, all clamoring for your attention, yet you can’t quite focus on any single one? If so, you’re not alone. For many of us, navigating the complexities of modern life can feel like an overwhelming task. But imagine experiencing this every single day, often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

This was the reality for Wake Up with Jim and Saab podcaster, Saab Magalona-Bacarro. At 32, a mother of two energetic young sons, she received a life-changing diagnosis: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This wasn’t just a label; it was a revelation that began to connect the dots of her past struggles and chart a new path forward.

The “Browser Tab” Brain: A Relatable Reality

Saab eloquently captured the essence of her experience at a recent Social Good Summit 2025. “It’s like having a lot of tabs open in your web browser, and you just can’t pick one,” she explained. “It’s like, ‘oh, wait, wait, which one, which one?’ And then all of the tasks that you have are absolutely the same importance.” Can you picture it? That constant mental juggle, the equal weight given to every single thought or chore, leading to a paralyzing sense of overwhelm. It’s a vivid metaphor that truly resonates, isn’t it?

When Overwhelm Became a Catalyst for Change

Before her diagnosis, Saab found herself drowning in self-doubt, a feeling familiar to so many struggling with undiagnosed conditions. The demands of motherhood, coupled with her internal chaos, became a powerful motivator. Her children needed her, and for their sake, she committed to understanding herself better and finding the support she deserved. Sometimes, our deepest love for others sparks the most profound self-care journeys.

From Personal Revelation to Community Empowerment

Saab’s quest for understanding led her to group coaching based in the United States. Here, amidst shared stories and experiences, she found a newfound sense of self-understanding and, more importantly, acceptance. Hearing others articulate her unspoken struggles was like finding a missing piece of her own puzzle. “You start thinking, ‘oh, okay, then that’s how your brain works,’ and we move forward,” she reflected. That feeling of finally realizing you’re not “going crazy” but rather, your brain simply works differently? It’s pure liberation.

Introducing Chaos Control Club: A Sanctuary for Filipinos with ADHD

Inspired by the transformative power of community, Saab didn’t just stop at personal acceptance. She took her journey a step further, founding the Chaos Control Club. This incredible initiative brings vital support services directly to Filipinos navigating similar mental health conditions. Imagine a safe space where you can genuinely connect, share your experiences, and learn practical strategies to manage ADHD. That’s exactly what Chaos Control Club offers, through:

• Group-coaching calls
• Private podcast feeds
• Dedicated community hubs

“The best part is the community where we just talk about what we’re going through,” Saab emphasized. It’s a testament to the fact that when we share our burdens, they often become lighter.

Championing Inclusivity: Beyond ADHD to Cerebral Palsy Advocacy

Saab’s advocacy doesn’t end with ADHD. Her heart also beats passionately for the cerebral palsy community, a cause close to her home through her beloved son, Pancho. In times past, societal shame or a misguided sense of protection often led families to hide their children with disabilities. But Saab challenges this outdated notion with fierce love and pride.

Pancho’s Story: Redefining Strength and Capability

For Saab, her son Pancho isn’t just a child with cerebral palsy; he’s a beacon of strength and capability she proudly showcases to the world. When curious children approach them in public, asking innocent questions about Pancho’s physical appearance, Saab embraces these moments as invaluable “opportunities to educate.” Rather than shying away, she sees a chance to foster understanding and break down preconceived notions. Isn’t that truly inspiring? It’s about celebrating every individual’s unique journey and capabilities, regardless of perceived limitations.

Breaking Down Barriers: Challenging Stigma and Demanding Accessibility

While Saab acknowledges a growing openness about mental health, particularly since the pandemic began, she’s also keenly aware that significant stigma persists. Many still dismiss ADHD and other mental disabilities as mere “drama” or overreaction. But as Saab reminds us, these are legitimate conditions that require genuine understanding and support.

The Stigma We Must Conquer

“I feel like it has been said that ADHD is just something that only the privileged have,” Saab shared, highlighting a disturbing misconception. “Like, the poor don’t have ADHD. Because [they] can’t afford a diagnosis or treatment.” This deeply ingrained belief paints mental health support as a luxury rather than a fundamental human right. Are we truly living in a world where accessing vital mental health support is seen as a privilege reserved for a select few?

A Call to Action for Government and Community

Saab’s message is clear: we must be more open-minded and less judgmental. Furthermore, she stresses the urgent need for better access to support and healthcare. Imagine a world where professional diagnoses and treatment for conditions like ADHD are not gated by financial ability. She calls upon the government to provide better accessibility to therapy and psychiatrists, ensuring that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, can receive the professional help they need. For Saab, it’s never, ever too late to get help, and no one should be left behind.

Ultimately, Saab Magalona-Bacarro’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, the profound impact of community, and the transformative power of acceptance. With the proper support, understanding, and a compassionate community, individuals with ADHD or other mental and physical disabilities can not only move forward but also thrive, proving that their conditions do not define their potential. Her story reminds us that every step toward understanding and empathy creates a ripple effect, building a more inclusive and supportive world for us all.

–Alyana Fabella

Alyana Fabella is an intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Communication at the Ateneo de Manila University.