By Francis Felix Falgui – PTV News
“Help is finally here” – Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Philippine Mental Health Law author
For far too long mental illness has plagued the lives of many individuals, some may even have loved ones experiencing such condition. It is a problem that keeps on growing. According to Dr. Herminigilda Salangad of Department of Health (DOH) Region I, in 2012, 3.3 million Filipinos suffered from depression. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that from 2000 to 2012, 2000 Filipinos ages 15-29 years old were reported to have committed suicide.
In order to raise awareness and to confront this problem, Former President Fidel V. Ramos signed Proclamation No. 452 in 1994, which declared the second week of October as National Mental Health Week here in the country. This is in accordance to the World Mental Health Day celebrated every October 10.
Years after the declaration of Mental Health Week, the Philippines has achieved several milestones in order to provide help to those who need it such as the approval of the Republic Act 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law. In 2016, a dedicated national hotline for mental health services was launched known as Hopeline.
While the government, spearheaded by the DOH along with civic groups and health professionals are still finalizing the implementing rules and regulations regarding the Philippine Mental Health Law, non-government organizations (NGOs) and the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) along with mental health advocates and youth groups meanwhile are continuously working on efforts to raise awareness particularly among the youth regarding mental health issues.
However, the government and medical professionals are not solely responsible for mental health care. We can also help our loved ones who suffer from mental illness by following these simple and helpful steps.
- Learn about mental illness
The first step of addressing mental illness is to know the problem. One can learn more about mental illness through self-help and psychological books or through online videos and e-books about mental health.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), mental illnesses have different symptoms but these commonly include: detachment from society and reality, difficulty in remembering and thinking that leads to functioning poorly at work or in school, change of habits in sleeping, eating, and hygiene, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.
Also, consider if the person concerned experienced unfortunate circumstances (i.e. loss of a job or loved one) which could cause or amplify his mental illness.
If a loved one is manifesting any of the abovementioned symptoms, it should be treated as an actual medical condition.
- Be a good listener
If you’ve identified that your loved one is suffering from mental illness and they managed to open up about it, keep in mind that it is important to listen to their concerns rather than suggesting on what to do with the problem.
Dr. Mudita Rastogi, an American clinical psychology professor and marriage and family therapist, said that being a good listener is a skill that can be practiced and mastered. Effective listening techniques include: clearing your mind, giving the speaker opportunities to speak by asking open-ended questions, making eye contact and leaning forward when talking to the person, telling them what you understood, and finally, asking if the speaker felt like you listened to him. Dr. Rastogi added that don’t forget to take a break whenever necessary.
- Be patient
According to APA, when helping someone with their mental illness, you and the person concerned will experience mixed emotions such as guilt, shame, fear, disbelief, and powerlessness among others.
All of these said emotions are normal. What’s important is that you should be patient in dealing with the situation. Keep in mind that acceptance takes time and it varies per case and per person, so be strong for your loved one.
- Seek professional help
When you have listened to the concerns of your loved one with mental illness and you have educated about their condition, it is time to seek out a medical professional to help them.
However, it doesn’t end with sending your loved one to a medical professional or contacting the country’s mental health hotline. According to mental health writer Margarita Tartakovsky, you can still help by encouraging them to talk to the medical professional, letting the concerned person have control over their treatment and by working closely with the treatment team.
Going with your loved one on during appointments is also helpful, especially if they are reluctant in getting help.
It is also worth noting that there are other NGOs focused on tackling mental illnesses other than PMHA where your loved one can go to such as Youth for Mental Health Coalition (Y4MH), Mental Health PH, Buhay Movement, Anxiety and Depression Support Philippines, and Tala Mental Wellness.
- Stay with them
However, what if your loved one doesn’t want help? According to mental health speaker Victoria Maxwell, this is usually caused by shame, denial and lack of insight.
Whenever this situation arises, mental health website ReachOut.com suggests not to pressure people experiencing mental health illness to get help, but make sure that you are available to talk and listen to their concerns. Do not avoid them but instead, stay with them until they are ready to seek out medical professionals.
A loved one struggling from mental illness is experiencing a long and difficult journey, so does the people around. However, overcoming it is not impossible with the progressive state of mental health care in the country. Lastly, it is best to lend a helping hand than to look down at them with a judging eye.
For those who are interested to contact Hopeline, you can reach them at (02) 804-4673; 0917-5584673; and 2919 for subscribers of Globe and Touch Mobile.
Also, you can refer to the link below for the Mental Health Program of DOH.
