In a landmark victory for everyone struggling from mental health issues in the Philippines, the Mental Health Bill, which seeks to integrate mental health service programs in the public health system has finally been approved by the senate.
According to Senator Risa Hontiveros, "The bill also mandates the government to put up basic mental health services at the community level and psychiatric, psychosocial and neurologic services in all regional, provincial and tertiary hospitals."
In addition to Senator Risa Hontiveros, the bill was also authored by Senate majority Floor Leader Vicente Sotto III, and Senators Juan Edgardo Angara, Antonio Trillanes IV, Bam Aquino, Loren Legarda, and Joel Villanueva.
Not just about treatment
In addition to adding services that would greatly help mental help sufferers in the Philippines, the bill also seeks to expand mental health education.
In the Philippines, one of the greatest hurdles when it comes to mental health is the stigma, discrimination, and misinformation associated with various mental health conditions. Filipinos typically think that a person suffering from a mental health problem is "baliw" or crazy, without even knowing that mental health problems are just like any other disease.
This mindset can even prevent some people suffering from mental health issues from seeking help, fearing that they might be branded as "baliw".
14% of Filipinos with disabilities struggle with mental health problems
Citing a World Health Organization study conducted back in 2010, Hontiveros shared that 14% of Filipinos with disabilities are struggling from mental disorders.
She adds that while mental health is an important public issue, it has been given inadequate attention as data and information regarding mental health in the country is severely outdated.
Another factor that affects the state of mental health in the country is the lack of mental health workers. She shared that for every 100,000 Filipinos, there are only 2 mental health workers that are available.
"We hear stories of people spiraling into destructive depression because of the lack of social support and the delay in accessing treatment for fear of being ostracized," she shares.
Hopefully, this bill will foster a better understanding of mental health in the country as well as help Filipinos suffering from mental health problems find treatment that would make them better.
Source: cnnphilippines.com
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