MANILA BULLETIN

PHILIPPINE MENTAL HEALTH

ASSOCIATION RAISES ALARM
OVER MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
IN THE COUNTRY
In the Philippines, mental illness is becoming a
common disability and at least 3.6 million
Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological, and
PHILIPPINE MENTAL HEALTH
ASSOCIATION URGES substance use disorder, according to the
STRONGER AND MORE Department of Health (DOH).
LOCALIZED MENTAL HEALTH
RESPONSE TO ADDRESS ‘SILENT
EPIDEMIC’ OF MENTAL HEALTH
CRISIS

The Philippine Mental Health Association,

Inc. (PMHA) on Monday raised the alarm
over the "rising epidemic of mental health
crisis" in the country. The group,
composed of mental health professionals
and advocates, said that the situation
needs widespread awareness, support, The PMHA said that access to mental health services
and action. in the country remains limited and unequal due to
stigma and scarce resources.“Mental health is a
“We have noticed a sharp increase in universal human right,” said Banaag. “We need to
mental health concerns during and after make diagnosis, treatment, and care more accessible
the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns,” said to the average Filipino,” he also said.
PMHA President and deemed as father of PMHA called for the stronger implementation of the
child psychiatry in the Philippines Dr. Philippine Mental Health Act or Republic Act No.
Cornelio Banaag, Jr. during a World Mental 11036, enactment of local mental health ordinances,
Health Day activity in Cagayan de Oro City. more funding to expand mental health services, and a
“Mental health-related issues affect constant public awareness campaign.
Filipinos of all ages and backgrounds - “The mental health crisis in the Philippines requires a
young or old, rich or poor. It is a silent united effort from all sectors of society – local and
national governments, private sector and the
epidemic that we need to confront head-
workplace, healthcare providers, communities,
on,” he added.
schools, and individuals,” said Banaag. “Everyone has
a role to play to improve Filipinos’ mental wellness,”
he also said.
BORGEN PROJECT
MIND OVER MATTER: MENTAL
HEALTH IN KENYA
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 11.5 MILLION,
OR ONE IN EVERY FOUR KENYANS,
HAVE EXPERIENCED MENTAL ILLNESS.
COMMON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN
KENYA INCLUDE DISORDERS DUE TO
SUBSTANCE ABUSE, NEUROTIC AND
PERSONALITY DISORDERS, AS WELL
AS DEMENTIA.
In 2015, the National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering and
Medicine’s Forum on Neuroscience
and Nervous System Disorders and
Board on Global Health created a
demonstration project with the goal
of improving the state of mental
health in Kenya. The project focused
on mental, neurological and
substance use (MNS) disorders in
Kenya, specifically alcohol abuse,
depression and epilepsy because of
the high burden of these conditions.
The project addresses the
limitations of Kenya’s healthcare
infrastructure, lack of availability of
medication and data in regard to
MNS disorders. Additionally, the
project emphasizes the potential
benefits of incorporating traditional
and faith healers (TFHs) into the
Kenyan healthcare system. Kenyans
who struggle with mental illness
often rely on TFHs for care because
of their wide accessibility.
Kenyans living with mental disorders often
experience stigma on multiple levels.
Stereotypes surrounding those with mental
illnesses lead to public stigma, especially
since many people associate mental
illnesses with evil.
Furthermore, those struggling with
mental disorders may internalize
others’ negative perceptions of them,
impacting how they view themselves
and their overall quality of life since it
can lead to loneliness and isolation.
Stigma is a factor preventing Kenyans
from receiving efficient treatment.
Therefore, greater public education on
mental disorders and providing more
resources for treatment can improve
the lives of those living with mental
disorders in Kenya. A better
understanding of mental health in
Kenya will aid in the destigmatizing of
mental disorders, leading to effective
treatment.