Republic of the Philippines

Pamantasan ng Cabuyao
(University of Cabuyao)
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES
Katapatan Mutual Homes, Brgy. Banay-banay, City of Cabuyao, Laguna 4025

Jessa Marie B. Castillo

3BSN – B

Global and International Health Issues

Mental health emerges as a significant concern in the Philippines, affecting an estimated 6

million individuals. However, the insufficient allocation of government funds, a mere 0.22% of

total health expenditures, exacerbates the scarcity of mental health professionals. This challenge

extends globally to overseas Filipinos, particularly in the US, where 12% grapple with

psychological distress, surpassing prevalence rates in the general US population. The compounded

issue lies in the pronounced reluctance of both local and overseas Filipinos to seek psychological

help, resulting in lower help-seeking rates compared to the broader US population and other Asian

groups. Despite the alarming statistics, research on Filipino psychological help-seeking is

surprisingly limited. Existing studies predominantly focus on factors such as stigma tolerance, loss

of face, and acculturation, with no systematic review conducted to date. While earlier research

predominantly concentrated on Filipino migrants, especially in the US, this systematic review aims

to provide a comprehensive analysis of help-seeking attitudes and behaviors among both local and

overseas Filipinos. This review seeks to delve into commonly reported help-seeking attitudes and

behaviors among individuals facing mental health problems and elucidate the most frequently

reported barriers and facilitators influencing their help-seeking. The overarching goal is to

contribute nuanced insights that can inform targeted support strategies and interventions for the

mental well-being of the Filipino community. By emphasizing the importance of understanding

 Republic of the Philippines
Pamantasan ng Cabuyao
(University of Cabuyao)
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES
Katapatan Mutual Homes, Brgy. Banay-banay, City of Cabuyao, Laguna 4025

the intricacies of help-seeking attitudes among both local and overseas populations, this review

aspires to bridge existing gaps in research and foster improved mental health outcomes for

Filipinos on a global scale. The alarming prevalence of mental health issues, coupled with

inadequate government spending and a shortage of professionals, poses a critical challenge in the

Philippines. The unique struggles faced by overseas Filipinos, particularly in the US, underscore

the need for a more profound understanding of help-seeking behaviors and the barriers preventing

individuals from seeking assistance. Despite the wealth of existing research, a comprehensive

systematic review is notably absent, making this upcoming review a significant contribution to the

field. The multifaceted exploration of commonly reported attitudes, behaviors, barriers, and

facilitators in both local and overseas Filipino populations promise to shed light on the complex

landscape of mental health and help-seeking. Ultimately, this research endeavors to pave the way

for targeted interventions and support systems that can significantly impact the mental well-being

of Filipinos, both within the Philippines and abroad.

In the Philippines, mental illness is the third most widespread disability, impacting around

6 million individuals with depression and/or anxiety. Despite these concerning statistics, mental

health receives a mere 0.22% of overall health expenditures, worsening the problem due to a

shortage of mental health professionals. The mental health issues extend to Filipinos living abroad,

with 12% of those in the US facing psychological distress, exceeding the prevalence rates in the

general US population. A significant barrier to enhancing mental well-being among local and

overseas Filipinos is the hesitancy to seek psychological help, resulting in lower help-seeking rates

compared to both the general US population and other minority Asian groups. While existing
 Republic of the Philippines
Pamantasan ng Cabuyao
(University of Cabuyao)
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES
Katapatan Mutual Homes, Brgy. Banay-banay, City of Cabuyao, Laguna 4025

studies mainly focus on factors such as stigma tolerance, loss of face, and acculturation, there is a

noticeable scarcity of research on Filipino psychological help-seeking. Despite a prior narrative

review in 2014 by Tuliao on Filipino mental health help-seeking in the US, new studies in various

country contexts have emerged, necessitating an updated systematic review. This review aims to

critically assess the behavioral and attitudinal patterns of psychological help-seeking among

Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad, shedding light on barriers and facilitators. While most

studies concentrate on Filipino migrants, especially in the US, the review underscores the

significance of understanding help-seeking attitudes and behaviors among local Filipinos to inform

and support those living abroad. The primary objectives include examining commonly reported

help-seeking attitudes and behaviors and elucidating the most frequently reported barriers and

facilitators influencing help-seeking in the Filipino population.

The shared information is deeply concerning, revealing that a significant number of

Filipinos, whether in the Philippines or abroad, grapple with mental health issues like depression

and anxiety. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the government allocates minimal

resources to mental health, and there is a shortage of professionals to address the growing problem.

It is disheartening to discover that Filipinos living overseas, especially in the US, are experiencing

heightened stress, likely due to distance from their families and the challenges of adapting to

different cultures. Another distressing aspect is the low inclination among Filipinos, both

domestically and internationally, to seek help for their mental health struggles, possibly influenced

by factors such as stigma, fear of losing face, or difficulty assimilating into new cultures. The

forthcoming review of studies on how Filipinos seek help for mental health issues is a
 Republic of the Philippines
Pamantasan ng Cabuyao
(University of Cabuyao)
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES
Katapatan Mutual Homes, Brgy. Banay-banay, City of Cabuyao, Laguna 4025

commendable initiative. This review has the potential to provide insights into the reasons behind

the reluctance of some Filipinos, particularly those residing outside the Philippines, to seek

assistance. Understanding these barriers is crucial in devising strategies to make it more accessible

for them to seek the support they need. In summary, the disclosed information underscores the

magnitude of the mental health challenge faced by Filipinos, necessitating increased efforts to aid

and support them, both domestically and internationally. The planned review offers a positive step

towards identifying effective solutions.

In our daily lives, it becomes evident how crucial it is to comprehend mental health

challenges, particularly within the Filipino community. Similar to any other health issue, mental

well-being is of utmost importance, and a considerable number of individuals in the Philippines

grapple with intense feelings of sadness or anxiety. Unfortunately, the government allocates

minimal funds to mental health, and there is a shortage of experts to provide assistance. This

problem extends to Filipinos residing in other countries, such as the US, where a notable proportion

experiences significant stress. A major obstacle is the hesitancy among Filipinos, whether in the

Philippines or abroad, to seek help when facing mental health difficulties. This poses a challenge

because there haven't been many studies delving into the reasons behind this reluctance. The

insights gained from such research can help us better understand the factors causing hesitation in

seeking help and guide us in supporting our friends, family, or even ourselves in matters of mental

well-being. By staying aware of these issues and fostering a culture of seeking help, we can

actively contribute to enhancing mental health for Filipinos both within the country and beyond.
 Republic of the Philippines
Pamantasan ng Cabuyao
(University of Cabuyao)
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES
Katapatan Mutual Homes, Brgy. Banay-banay, City of Cabuyao, Laguna 4025

CITATION

Martínez, A., Co, M., Lau, J. Y. F., & Brown, J. (2020). Filipino help-seeking for mental health

problems and associated barriers and facilitators: a systematic review. Social Psychiatry and

Psychiatric Epidemiology, 55(11), 1397–1413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-020-01937-2