The World Health Organization defines health as the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Medical check-ups are routine in the Philippines, but Mental Health checkpoints are much less common.

There are several factors at play as to why mental health isn’t as prevalent in today’s society, including Filipino culture and awareness. The importance of good mental health is evident. When a person is mentally sound, they are:

• more productive

• able to create and maintain meaningful and healthy relationships

• motivated to improve their physical health

• expected to live longer.

In celebration of World Mental Health Day 2023 (October 10), let’s learn about the Philippines’ pressing mental health conditions and concerns.

The World Federation for Mental Health

Founded in 1948, the World Federation for Mental Health or WFMH is a global membership organization aimed at promoting the advancement of mental health awareness, prevention of mental disorders, advocacy, and best practice recovery focused interventions in our unequal world.

Celebrating World Mental Health Day 2023

World Mental Health Day is a global campaign aiming to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world. Its main objective is to encourage countries to double up their efforts to bolster and improve mental well-being.

This year’s World Mental Health Day falls on October 10th, and this year’s theme is “Mental health is a universal human right.” It’s a powerful reminder that mental health is part of basic human rights and it should be a global priority.

The State of Mental Health in the Philippines

Despite the numerous benefits of good mental health, more and more Filipinos are struggling. According to data collected by the Department of Health (DOH), a significant part of the community is experiencing at least one mental health condition.

In 2020 alone, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) crisis hotline received a high number of calls from people suffering from depression (1,145,871), alcohol use disorder (874,145), bipolar and substance use disorder (520,614), epilepsy (349,058), and schizophrenia (213,422). According to the DOH and NCMH, these calls have been made by mostly women around 18 to 30 years old who feel at vulnerable or at risk.

While it’s a good indicator that people are taking their mental health issues seriously, there are not enough resources readily available to provide treatment and assistance. People with these mental health conditions continue to feel isolated from their community and are unable to seek immediate professional help.

Mental Health Support Initiatives in the Philippines:

Passage of the Mental Health Act

The Philippines’ first mental health policy was finalized in 2001. Since then, it’s been revised in 2016 and, more recently, in 2018. The 2018 iteration of the Mental Health Act describes mental health services as part of a Filipino citizen’s fundamental human right.

The Act seeks to bridge the gap between people with mental illness and the professional help necessary, making mental health assistance part of the national health system. It also speaks to the quality of this professional assistance. The Act asserts that these services be “free from coercion and are accountable.” More importantly, the Act is pushing for raising awareness about mental health, expanding on people enduring mental illness having the right to “participate fully in society and at work, free from stigmatization and discrimination.” This further supports the World Mental Health Day 2023 theme: “Mental health is a universal human right.”

Merging Technology and Mental Health

Lusog-Isip App

As part of USAID’s global campaign to improve mental health, the Lusog-Isip app was developed in partnership with the DOH Mental Health Unit. The app is the first mobile app of its kind in the Philippines, tailored to the life and times of the average Pinoy. Lusog-Isip offers access to resources for mental health and substance misuse struggles. It provides coping strategies that users and stakeholders can practice to help manage and improve their mental well-being.

Private Mental Health Apps and Platforms

Apart from government efforts, pioneering companies and start-ups have also sought to contribute to making mental health more accessible. Some examples are MindNation and Kindred, which provide a digital platform for people to talk to and get support from experts in the mental health community.

School-Based Mental Health Programs

There has been a shift in the way educators talk about mental health in school settings. Communication material about health is becoming more holistic. Whereas health was formerly focused on physical wellness, today’s schools highlight the importance of mental health.

In the first half of 2023, the Senate has been involved in developing a school-based mental health program. The program seeks to define the roles of stakeholders in the school community and outlines how they can respond to students’ mental health concerns through prevention, intervention, and recovery.

Establishing the National Mental Health Program

The myth that only “crazy” people have mental health problems is still prevalent in the country. To fight this ongoing stigma, the DOH has established the National Mental Health program that focuses on integrating mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting treatment options. It also aims to support the upskilling of healthcare professionals in mental health care.

Hotlines and Crisis Support Services

Hotlines and crisis support services have been established by the government and other non-governmental groups to offer persons in need quick aid. The Hopeline Philippines, which provides a toll-free 24/7 hotline for persons in need of emotional assistance, is one such example.

Continue the Global Campaign for Mental Health With Camella

In full support of World Mental Health Day 2023, Camella supports mental health being a universal human right. We’re helping raise awareness for mental health and we continue to promote mental well-being at home.

Beyond celebrating World Mental Health Day, we work side-by-side with the Camella community to make mental health a priority in daily life. We provide support through sharing valuable information and giving you the space to boost your overall health in our developments. This World Mental Health Day, take a step back, recalibrate, and help spread the word about mental health.

Should you or anyone you know need mental health support, reach out to the following numbers for the Philippines’ Crisis Hotline:

Globe/TM subscribers: 0966 351 4518 or 0917 899 8727
Smart/Sun/TNT subscribers: 0908 639 2672

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