Bakit maraming Pinoy ang hirap humingi ng tulong para sa mental health? | Need to Know

GMA Integrated News

21 Oct 202112:44

Summary

TLDRThe video script highlights the alarming state of mental health in the Philippines, with 3.6 million affected by mental and neurological disorders. It discusses the prevalence of conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, and emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health as a societal issue. The script calls for increased awareness, the reduction of stigma, and the need for systemic support, including training for community workers and accessible mental health services. It also underscores the role of traditional healers and the significance of individual and community involvement in promoting mental well-being.

Takeaways

😔 Mental health is a significant issue in the Philippines, with 3.6 million Filipinos suffering from mental and neurological disorders.
📈 There are approximately 88 mental health cases per 100,000 Filipinos, highlighting the prevalence of mental health problems in the country.
🧐 Common mental health disorders include anxiety, depression, paranoia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
🔍 A survey by OCTA Research in March 2021 revealed that 28 percent of Filipinos reported emotional problems, with stress being a major factor.
🤔 Systematic reviews in psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology suggest that there are barriers to seeking help for mental health issues, including stigma.
😥 The stigma associated with mental health in the Philippines can lead to victim-blaming and a reluctance to seek help, exacerbating the problem.
🌐 Cultural traits, behaviors, and beliefs contribute to the systemic problem of mental health, with unhealthy coping mechanisms being deeply ingrained.
🙏 The role of traditional healers or 'albulario' in the Philippines is acknowledged, but there is a call to understand mental health as an issue of well-being beyond just spirituality.
👂 Listening and providing support without judgment is emphasized as a crucial part of helping individuals with mental health issues.
📞 The National Center for Mental Health reported a high volume of calls to their mental health hotline, indicating a need for accessible mental health support.
🏥 There is a systemic failure in implementing the Mental Health Act in the Philippines, with a lack of funding and resources for training and support.
💰 The need for increased funding is highlighted for training youth leaders, school organization leaders, community workers, and health workers to provide support in mental health care.

Q & A

What is the estimated number of Filipinos affected by mental and neurological disorders?
-Approximately 3.6 million Filipinos are affected by mental and neurological disorders.
How many mental health cases were reported in a survey conducted by OCTA Research in March 2021?
-The survey reported 88 mental health cases.
What are some of the common mental health problems and disorders mentioned in the script?
-The script mentions anxiety disorders, depression, paranoia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), behavioral and emotional disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and psychosis.
What percentage of the population was reported to have emotional problems according to the OCTA Research survey?
-The survey reported that 28 percent of the population has emotional problems.
What is the significance of the term 'systematic review' in the context of the script?
-The term 'systematic review' refers to a method of research that is used to identify, select, assess, and synthesize all high-quality evidence relevant to a specific research question, which in this case is related to mental health.
Why is there a stigma associated with mental health in the Philippines according to the script?
-The stigma is associated with mental health due to cultural traits, behaviors, and beliefs that consider mental health issues as a personal weakness or something to be ashamed of, leading to victim-blaming and a lack of support.
What is the role of traditional healers or 'albulario' in the context of mental health in the Philippines?
-The role of traditional healers is not to negate but to understand that they can contribute to a person's mental health situation, especially in areas where modern mental health services are limited or inaccessible.
What is the importance of listening when someone is sharing their mental health struggles?
-Listening is crucial as it provides a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and experiences without judgment. It allows for empathy and understanding, which can be therapeutic and supportive.
What is the current state of mental health facilities and professionals in the Philippines based on the latest data from the Department of Health (DOH) and WHO?
-The occupancy rate of mental health centers, especially in the national capital region and major cities, is high. There is a shortage of psychiatrists, with only three to five percent coverage per 100,000 population, indicating a significant gap in mental health services.
What is the role of the National Center for Mental Health in providing support during the crisis?
-The National Center for Mental Health operates a mental health hotline that received 10,544 calls between January and July 2021, providing an essential service for those in need of immediate support and guidance.
What steps are suggested in the script to improve mental health awareness and support in the Philippines?
-The script suggests large-scale training for youth leaders, school organization leaders, community workers, and community health workers to provide support when professionals are overwhelmed. It also emphasizes the need for societal and community involvement in building an accepting and helpful environment for mental health.

Outlines

00:00

😔 Mental Health Awareness and Stigma in the Philippines

This paragraph discusses the alarming state of mental health in the Philippines, highlighting the high number of affected individuals and the types of disorders prevalent, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and OCD. It emphasizes the importance of mental health and the barriers to seeking help, including societal stigma and cultural beliefs. The script also touches on the systemic and structural issues that contribute to the problem, suggesting that the community and cultural traits play a role in the reluctance to seek professional help and the perpetuation of unhealthy coping mechanisms.

05:04

🌱 The Role of Traditional Healers and Support in Mental Health

The second paragraph explores the role of traditional healers, known as 'albulario', in the context of Filipino mental health care. It suggests that while these healers can provide support, it is essential to recognize mental health as a broader issue of well-being that may also involve religious beliefs and spirituality. The paragraph stresses the importance of listening and providing support without making promises that cannot be guaranteed, to avoid disappointment and potential harm. It also mentions the need for training and awareness to help individuals and communities provide support for those struggling with mental health issues.

10:17

🚨 Systemic Failures and the Need for Mental Health Infrastructure

The final paragraph addresses the systemic failures in implementing the Mental Health Act in the Philippines, questioning the availability of budget and resources for large-scale training of youth leaders, school organization leaders, and community health workers. It calls for recognition of the vulnerability of each individual and the importance of raising awareness and information to build a supportive society. The paragraph also provides statistics on the occupancy rate of mental health centers and the number of psychiatrists available per population, illustrating the gap in mental health services. It concludes by emphasizing the significance of mental health and the collective responsibility to create an accepting and helpful environment.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Mental Health

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is central to the video's theme, which discusses the prevalence and importance of addressing mental health issues in the Philippines. The script mentions various mental health disorders and the impact of stigma on seeking help, emphasizing the need for awareness and support.

💡Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect the brain and nervous system. In the context of the video, it is one of the many issues contributing to the mental health crisis, with 3.6 million Filipinos affected, highlighting the scale and seriousness of mental health in the country.

💡Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are a category of mental health conditions characterized by excessive anxiety and fear. The script identifies anxiety disorders as one of the prevalent mental health problems in the Philippines, illustrating the wide range of issues people face.

💡Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder marked by persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. The video script discusses depression as part of the spectrum of mental health issues affecting Filipinos, emphasizing its significance in the national conversation on mental health.

💡Stigma

Stigma refers to the negative attitudes and discrimination associated with certain conditions or behaviors, such as mental health issues. The script points out the role of stigma as a barrier to seeking help for mental health problems in the Philippines, showing how societal attitudes can impact individuals' willingness to access care.

💡Mental Health Act

The Mental Health Act is a legislative measure aimed at improving mental health services and reducing stigma. The video script criticizes the systemic failure in implementing the Mental Health Act in the Philippines, indicating a gap between policy and practice in providing mental health care.

💡Albulario

Albulario refers to traditional healers in the Philippines. The script suggests that while traditional healing practices may have a role in mental health care, it is important to recognize the limitations and to integrate them with modern mental health services for comprehensive care.

💡Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. The video mentions PTSD as one of the many mental health disorders that need to be addressed, indicating the diverse range of mental health challenges faced by the population.

💡Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The script lists OCD among the mental health disorders prevalent in the Philippines, emphasizing the complexity and variety of mental health issues.

💡Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The video script includes bipolar disorder as part of the discussion on the range of mental health disorders affecting Filipinos.

💡Mental Health Hotline

A mental health hotline is a service that provides support and assistance to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The script mentions the significant number of calls received by the national mental health hotline, indicating the demand for immediate support and the importance of such services.

Highlights

3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental and neurological disorders.

88 mental health cases reported in the Philippines.

Common mental health problems include anxiety disorders, depression, paranoia, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and behavioral and emotional disorders are also prevalent.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and psychosis are among the mental health issues faced.

A survey by OCTA Research in March 2021 revealed 28% of respondents had emotional problems.

Stress is identified as a systematic and non-social factor affecting mental health.

There is a significant stigma associated with seeking mental health help in the Philippines.

Cultural traits and beliefs contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms for mental health issues.

The capacity of traditional healers (albulario) in improving mental health is acknowledged but not negated.

Mental health is an issue of well-being, intertwined with religious belief and spirituality among Filipinos.

Support systems are crucial, with the emphasis on listening rather than giving suggestions.

Mental health professionals and institutions are encouraged to provide assistance and resources.

Mental health conditions are long-term and require long-term solutions and support.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) and WHO show a high occupancy rate in mental health centers.

There is a shortage of psychiatrists per 100,000 population and a low health budget allocated for mental health.

The implementation of the Mental Health Act is seen as a systemic failure.

Funding is needed for large-scale training of youth leaders, school organization leaders, and community health workers.

The National Center for Mental Health received 10,544 calls through their hotline from January to July 2021.

Individual vulnerability to mental health issues is recognized, and awareness is promoted for societal participation.

Mental health matters, and each person's well-being is emphasized as important.