MENTAL health is increasingly becoming a major concern in the Philippines, with mounting evidence suggesting that the country is already amid a mental health crisis.
Despite various efforts to address the issue, a combination of socio-economic, environmental, and systemic factors continues to exacerbate the situation.
Climate Change and Mental Health: An Overlooked Factor
While the impact of socio-economic struggles and the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health is widely acknowledged, very few scientists and policymakers in the Philippines have explored the connection between climate change and mental health issues.
Dr. John Janir Benzon Aruta, a leading researcher in this area, argues that climate anxiety can contribute to moderate or severe mental health conditions.
Dr. Aruta highlights a critical concern: the lack of access to the internet in many parts of the country prevents people from learning about climate change and its mental health implications.
Furthermore, research indicates that some victims of climate-related disasters feel betrayed by the government, a sentiment that can lead to depression and long-term psychological distress.
Shortage of Mental Health Professionals
One of the most pressing challenges in addressing the mental health crisis is the severe shortage of mental health professionals. As of 2023, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) reported that there are approximately 1,530 registered mental health professionals in the country, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and other practitioners.
However, the exact number of psychiatrists and psychologists separately remains unclear in public sources. This translates to fewer than one mental health worker for every 100,000 Filipinos, a dire statistic that highlights the urgent need for increased investment in mental health services.
Without sufficient professionals, many individuals suffering from mental health conditions are left without proper care and support.
The Philippine Mental Health Act: Progress and Gaps
The Philippine Mental Health Act (Republic Act No. 11036), signed into law in 2018, was a landmark step towards improving mental health services in the country. The law aims to:
* Strengthen leadership and governance for mental health policies and programs – Establish a comprehensive mental health care system.
* Protect the rights of individuals with psychiatric, neurologic, and psychosocial needs.
* Integrate mental health care into basic health services, educational institutions, workplaces, and communities.
Despite these promising objectives, implementation has been slow. A lack of public awareness and inadequate funding have hindered progress.
Many families of individuals struggling with mental health conditions remain unaware of where to seek help or what resources are available to them.
The law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) were issued in 2019, yet widespread dissemination of this information is still lacking. (To be continued)