#Self | Unity Statement

The Philippines is one of the many countries in the world that does not focus on the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has stated that mental illness is the third most prevalent form of morbidity in the country. A factor that contributes to this is that a large portion of society believes that having a psychological problem equates to overreaction and attention-seeking. This way of thinking often leads to intentional or accidental discrimination among peers, such as making light of certain situations and avoiding particular people because they seem unstable, violent, or dangerous. In addition, studies show that others’ judgment is often a result of a lack of understanding and information about mental health conditions. Since people are more focused on their physical state rather than keeping their emotional health on the right track, very few are aware of the dangers that poor mental well-being may bring. These hazards include low self-esteem, an inclination to engage in vices, and the risk of committing self-harm.

With this in mind, Angkla PH aims to reach out to those who are struggling with their emotional well-being by raising awareness and eliminating the stigma of mental health through various projects and initiatives. We seek to provide the youth with information about mental illness in order to foster understanding and unity in the Filipino community. We also provide means to contact doctors and health care lines for those who wish to speak to professionals about their situation; however, we acknowledge that every person has a different way of handling their mental health. Under no circumstances will we pressure others to seek professional help, especially if they are not ready, though we strongly encourage them to confide in a friend, family member, or guidance counselor. Together, this family of youth leaders is bringing the nation one step closer to achieving a physically and mentally healthy community.

The mental health cause owes its progression to the families of service users and to the service users themselves who have brought the conversation to the table. Advocates have done their part to lobby for legislation, the accessibility of mental health services, and the addition of mental health to the government’s agenda. You too can do your part. To move forward, we must gear ourselves towards alleviating the stigma and preventing discrimination. Continue to push for mental health education and demand mental health services because only then can we eliminate the taboo nature of mental health, and only then will we be effectively helping and opening the doors for our brothers and sisters in need of service and support.

As a youth organization that advocates for mental health, we believe in the capacity of individuals, the youth in particular. Undoubtedly, we, advocates, have played a major role in the advancement of mental health concerns. This impact has sprung from individual actions that have sparked lasting change. We call out to the youth and to our fellow advocates to continue instilling the importance of mental health within our immediate communities. Do not cease to make an effort because even the smallest actions make great impacts. The simplest “Usap tayo” or “Kumusta ka?” may already positively affect someone in need of help. If you have yet to be part of the movement, open your mind and gain the perspective of service users. Until we have the masses by our side, continue to initiate open conversations and create safe spaces free from judgment.

We have come a long way, but there is still a long road ahead of us in this movement. To this day, the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health prevails and remains rampant. With rates of mental health conditions peaking during the lockdown, in a time when human connection is limited, when our officials turn a blind eye on the country’s mental health state, we become a minority—pushed aside and not prioritized. In such an environment, how could we effectively fend for our kababayans who are service users? This is why we move.

Magpapatuloy hangga’t sa maisulong natin ang kalusugang pangkaisipan ng bawat isa.

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Sources:

Advocacy for mental health. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2003 (Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance Package). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health/policy/services/1_advocacy_WEB_07.pdf?ua=1

Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness. (2017, May 24). Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477

Coomb, A. (2020, January 22). Why is it Necessary to Take Care of your Mental Health? Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://thriveglobal.com/stories/why-is-it-necessary-to-take-care-of-your-mental-health/

Lally, J., Tully, J., & Samaniego, R. (2019, August). Mental health services in the Philippines. Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6646843/

Author: CMHA BC and Anxiety Canada. (n.d.). Wellness Module 1: Mental Health Matters. Retrieved October 12, 2020, from https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/wellness-module/wellness-module-1-mental-health-matters