The Department of Health (DOH) has recently revealed the increasing number of individuals experiencing anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In line with this, the Church has reminded the public that there are also people and institutions that provide support to individuals who are currently facing challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the Church assures that messages of hope for Filipinos are always included in the homily and virtual mass.
“Iyong tapang na nanggagaling sa Diyos ay dapat makuha sana natin. Mayroon din namang mga institusyon, mga tao na tumutulong sa atin. Huwag natin balewalain iyon dahil napakaganda rin na makita at maranasan natin na hindi tayo nag-iisa sa laban na ito (We should get the courage from God. There are also institutions and people that help us. We should not ignore these since it is good to witness and experience that we are not alone in this fight),” CBCP Permanent Committee on Public Affairs Executive Secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano stated.
“We are reaching out to them through masses that we celebrate. Iyong iba tumatawag sa amin, iyong iba ay nagdarasal pa rin naman kasama ng sambayanan dahil FB Live naman iyong mga liturgical activities namin (Some call us and some pray with the public since our liturgical activities are on Facebook Live),” he added.
An expert added that it is also good to entertain oneself, even in simple ways, to avoid overthinking that may lead to anxiety.
“Mas gusto naming gamitin iyong physical distancing, kasi physically distant tayo pero dapat we should strive na hindi tayo maging socially distant, especially now. Dapat malaman natin na mas malaki ang pangangailangan natin upang mag reach out (We prefer to use ‘physical distancing’ but we should also strive not to be socially distant especially now. We should recognize the bigger need to reach out),” Dr. Minguita Padilla of Project Ark counseled.
Neurologist and psychiatrist Alejandro Diaz also advised to avoid getting into the practice of “maladaptive behavior.” He explained that there are individuals who escape reality by getting into vices such as illegal drugs.
“Physical activity and exercise is very important to reduce anxiety… From the psychological well-being naman, importante iyong positive psychology tayo, positive outlook (a positive psychology is important, a positive outlook),” he added.
Meanwhile, the DOH is encouraging the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure the compliance with the mental health law in workplaces. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
