By Jaemie Talingdan

Coming from a culture that often pushes for positivity amidst pain and suffering, Filipinos are no strangers to invalidation and stigmatization of various concerns when it comes to mental health. Behind the smiles and welcoming faces lie the reality people dealing with mental illnesses have to face; remarks undermining their struggles and the shame associated with such disorders only make up a small portion of it. As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, let us debunk some common misconceptions most Filipinos usually have on mental health problems.

‘Tibayan mo lang loob mo.’

Mental illness is the third most common disability in the Philippines, with around 6 million people estimated to live with depression and/or anxiety. However, various constraints including social and self-stigma surrounding mental health bar Filipinos from seeking psychological help. 

As a result, most Filipinos opt to rely on their sense of resilience and self-reliance, only utilizing proper mental health services as a last resort. Though resilience can be something to be proud of, it should not come at the cost of disregarding mental health crises millions suffer from.

‘Bata ka pa, marami ka pang pagdadaanan.’

Childhood and adolescence are crucial to one’s formation. From hormonal vulnerability to stressful life events like academic work and more complex relationships, various physical, emotional, and social changes in children’s lives leave them prone to mental health problems. In fact, the World Health Organization has reported that an estimated 10-20% of adolescents globally experience mental health conditions, yet remain undiagnosed and untreated.

With most of these conditions affecting their behaviors later in life, it is crucial to address mental health problems in children and adolescents as early as possible. May it be through providing more positive and safe spaces for them to grow up in or allowing them to receive treatment for existing issues, it is important not to invalidate their experiences and feelings just because of their age.

‘Therapy? Sayang lang pera diyan.’

Aside from the stigma surrounding psychological treatment, one of the most common hindrances affecting help-seeking behavior among Filipinos are financial constraints or lack of health insurance. Coupled with the sheer invalidation of mental health issues and self-reliance, many Filipinos view professional psychological treatment as a waste of money, even unnecessary, until it becomes severe.

As even mild depression can escalate into a chronic condition that could greatly impact one’s quality of life when left untreated, mental disorders don’t have to be life-threatening to be of importance. Just like how maintenance medication for high blood pressure or life-saving surgeries are not regarded as a waste of bucks, psychological treatment and psychiatric support are imperative. According to the American Psychological Association, clinical studies on psychotherapy have shown a variety of beneficial effects, including having a more lasting effect in comparison to pharmacological treatments.

While the cost of therapy and medication could rack up without health insurance, there are still ways to access free counseling and psychosocial support in the Philippines. To help people cope with this unprecedented period of isolation and uncertainty, many institutions and organizations such as the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) and Philippine Mental Health Association have opened free online counseling services to the public.

‘Kulang lang sa dasal ‘yan.’

Mental disorders are not the results of one’s lack of faith, sinfulness, or weak spirit. They are just as legitimate of a health concern as flu or diabetes. Instead of adding to the person’s negative self-perception, religion should serve as a supportive and helpful institution to people suffering from mental health disorders. 

As the famous Filipino proverb goes, “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa.” Religion does not need to impede medical and scientific progress. With proper integration of spiritual guidance in science-based treatment, it can help those with mental afflictions and be one of the valid sources of support.

With the growing recognition and increasing understanding of mental health in the country, we have definitely come a long way, but awareness is only the first step. Formal policies can only do so much to ease the burden of mental health problems from those who suffer from them. It is up to us to prompt conversations to destigmatize mental health within our own social circles, where help is within reach.

References:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00127-020-01937-2#citeas

https://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/2017/04/25/mental-illness-stigma.html

https://opinion.inquirer.net/126001/the-church-as-a-mental-health-refuge

https://psychcentral.com/blog/10-myths-of-mental-illness#1

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-psychotherapy https://www.verywellmind.com/depression-during-puberty-1067561#:~:text=Hormones,in%20depression%20rates%20among%20them