Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday underscored the need for stronger mental health services, support for aspiring mental health professionals, and acceptance of those struggling with mental health issues in the time of the pandemic and beyond.
Robredo, in a video message at the Virtual March for Mental Health, said that just as COVID-19 demands all elements of society to come together, “building a better normal means constantly recognizing that no single area of human health is more important than another.”
Robredo stressed the importance of raising awareness on the issue in time for the celebration of the World Mental Health Day which is observed every October 10. She explained that prior to COVID-19, the “challenge of protecting the psychological well-being of our citizens has been evident” with limited resources, among others.
As the approach on dealing with mental health largely depends on institutionalization for treatment, Robredo said that people in communities are vulnerable during natural disasters or crises.
For instance, Robredo cited the impact of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) which hit the country in 2013 - leaving more than 800,000 people suffering from various types of mental health conditions such as depression, severe anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder and the like.
“Now that we face a new challenge in the form of COVID-19, the urgent need to invest in our mental health is underscored once more,” Robredo said.
Citing data from National Center for Mental Health, she noted that an average of 30 to 35 calls per day are received from March to May of this year which are more than double compared to an average of 13 to 15 calls per day last year. “These are people who have actively sought help,” she said. “There could be so many more who suffer in silence,” she added.
Aside from gaps in physical, institutional, and human resources, Robredo also noted that a larger cultural divide becomes a challenge in mental health. “There is still the perception that mental health struggles are a form of weakness, or an embarrassment to one’s family,” she said.
When people are discouraged from seeking help, Robredo said that data becomes inaccurate and compromises the ability of willing doctors and health professionals who wish to help. “I believe that the path to healing begins with honesty and openness,” Robredo said. “We must begin defaulting to empathy,” she added.
Robredo cited that the Philippines’ mental health law paved the way for additional resources for mental health programs, increased mental health education in schools, and the strengthening of mental health services at the community level.
“All three components are vital, not just in the face of the pandemic, but towards giving mental health the same level of prominence, acceptance, and love as physical health,” she said.
Aside from strengthening mental health services in communities and in hospitals as well as supporting those who wish to become mental health professionals, Robredo stressed the importance of encouraging others to share their mental health struggles and “treat them with acceptance and the dignity they deserve.”