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How are you coping with everything? Mental Health update in the Philippines
By Almira Louise Martinez 10 Oct 2022 614

TW: Depression, Suicide, Mental Health issues

 

In 2018, the ongoing crisis with mental health in the Philippines aided in pushing through the passing of the Mental Health Act. From then, there was a noticeable increase in the monthly average calls received by the National Center for Mental Health. Despite the existing act, the designated expenditure for mental health is barely 5%, a seemingly lower percentage compared to other Western Pacific countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Furthermore, there are only 7.76 hospital beds and 0.41 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, as stated by the World Health Organization in 2007.  

 

According to the Philippine WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health in 2020, at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from one kind of mental, neurological, and substance use disorder. With this large and continuously growing number, the Department of Health called for unified actions to improve the overall mental health care in the country. As the pandemic and lockdown engulfed the citizens with isolation and solitude, it worsened the situation for the people mentally. “The COVID-19 pandemic has evoked overwhelming reactions and emotions from people. Many have had their livelihoods affected, others are worried about keeping their families safe. There are many reasons why we need to take extra care now when it comes to mental health,” former Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque said in 2020. 

 

Last year, 2021, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported an alarming increase in the suicide rate in the country due to a rise of 57.3% from the record in 2020. 

 

As Filipinos continue to battle for mental stability, the socio-political and economic issue in the country also contributes to the burden of sustaining a life in the country. Provided with the statistics, the government and other public sectors are requisite for improving the services and treatment given to their citizens. 

 

If you are struggling with any mental health concerns or know anyone who needs assistance, kindly contact the crisis hotline of the National Center for Mental Health. 

 

Luzon-wide landline toll-free: 1553 

Globe/TM Subscribers: 0966-351-4518 / 0917-899-8727 / 0917-899-USAP

Smart/Sun/TNT Subscribers: 0908-639-2672

 

References:

https://doh.gov.ph/press-release/YOUR-MIND-MATTERS-DOH-CALLS-FOR-UNIFIED-RESPONSE-TO-MENTAL-HEALTH

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/21/the-sunday-times/cover-story/champions-for-mental-health-in-the-philippines/1855355

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