CAGAYAN DE ORO–The Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. (PMHA) on Monday raised the alarm over a rising epidemic of mental health illnesses in the country.
The group, composed of mental health professionals and advocates, said that the situation needs widespread awareness, support, and action.
“We have noticed a sharp increase in mental health concerns during and after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns,” said Dr. Cornelio Banaag, Jr., PMHA president during a World Mental Health Day activity in Cagayan de Oro City.
“Mental health-related issues affect Filipinos of all ages and backgrounds – young or old, rich or poor. It is a silent epidemic that we need to confront head-on,” he added.
In the Philippines, mental illness is becoming a common disability and at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
The PMHA said that access to mental health services in the country remains limited and unequal due to stigma and scarce resources. There is also less than one mental health worker for every 100,000 Filipinos, according to the group.
PMHA called for the stronger implementation of the Philippine Mental Health Act or Republic Act No. 11036, enactment of local mental health ordinances, more funding to expand mental health services, and a constant public awareness campaign.
Assistant majority leader and Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas meanwhile appealed to fellow legislators to support the enactment of measures that promote mental health.
The House of Representatives has approved on third reading House Bill (HB) 6416 or the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Mental Health Service Act.
“We must be part of a society which aims to reduce the entrenched stigma and discrimination on people with mental health problems. One way to effectively do this is to start with the young minds that we are shaping in universities, wherein pressures and influences are coming from all sorts,” Vargas said.
The Department of Health estimates that there are over 3 million Filipinos facing mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder and data from the Department of Education reports 404 incidents of suicide by students with a staggering 2,147 suicide attempts in the school year 2021-2022 alone.
Vargas initially filed HB 5925 or Campus Mental Health Act, which primarily aims to increase access to mental health services among college students.