All aspects of our lives are greatly affected by how we think, how we feel, and how we act. Taking care of ourselves to ensure that we are “mentally healthy” gives us a more positive outlook as well as the emotional energy and disposition to better handle life’s stressors. However, it is “necessary care” that is often neglected in our fast-paced lives.
Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. has worked consistently to address challenges to improve the mental health of Filipinos.
“Access to quality mental healthcare shouldn’t be questioned, delayed, or be set aside—It is a building block to maintaining a healthy holistic lifestyle. We are happy to be (Philippone Mental Health Awareness) PMHA’s partner in this space as we continue to advocate for every Filipino to take better care of their mental health,” said Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Philippines managing director Manish Anandani.
Together with community health workers, PMHA and Johnson & Johnson Philippines completed online sessions and face-to-face trainings that reached over 779 community health workers and corollary staff with skills training and education in caring for people’s mental health and well-being.
PMHA conducted the sessions on topics such as: Strategies for Better Self-Awareness, Understanding and Managing Common Mental Disorders Among Children and Adolescents, Understanding and Managing Common Mental Disorders Among Adults, Home Management of Individuals with Mental Health Concerns and Handling Psychiatric Emergencies, Providing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, and more.
In the pipeline are modules on Common Mental Health challenges, Ways to Prioritize Self-Care, and How to Effectively Support Others.
As a result, access to mental health services is now present in communities in Taguig, Quezon City, Navotas, Pangasinan, Benguet , Palawan, and Cagayan De Oro.
And because mental healthcare must start at home, Johnson & Johnson is also ensuring that their employees are working in an environment that supports their mental well-being. The company has worked to remove barriers and change how mental health and well-being is understood, treated, and prioritized for everyone so that they can bring their best selves to their lives, work, and communities.
To help employees cope with life’s new normal and the stress it might encompass, over a hundred employees participated in PMHA/ Johnson & Johnson PH Mental Health care workshops, which were conducted and led by J&J Philippines’ Global Community Impact Philippines (GCI PH) team.
Said PMHA national executive director, Dr. Carolina Uno-Rayco: “There is still so much to be done to advocate the importance of taking care of one’s mental health to Filipinos. We are grateful that Johnson & Johnson Philippines has partnered with us through the years, and is supporting us in our mission by helping amplify our voices, especially among health frontliners, and thereon to as many of our countrymen as possible.”