Mental

Health
Dorothy Joy P. Cumigad, RN, MD
Learning
Agenda
• What is mental health?
• Why it's more than the mind?
• Why it's crucial?
• How to maintain positive mental health?
?
• When to seek professional help?
 Mental Health
 Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which an
individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope
with the normal stresses of life, can work
productively and is able to make a contribution to
his or her community (World Health Organization).

 Mental health includes our emotional,

psychological, and social wellbeing.

 It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps

determine how we handle stress, relate to others,
and make choices.
 COVID-19 and Mental Health

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), first identified in

December 2019, has resulted in a global pandemic
which continues to impact people in many ways.

The number of cases has continued to rise, with cases

and deaths continuing to rise in many countries, while
the impact of social distancing and quarantine
measures has had a measurable impact on the
economy
 COVID-19 and Mental Health

The combination of the direct effects of the

disease on individuals and their families the
indirect effect on financial security, housing,
unemployment, and social isolation has led to
an increase in emotional and psychological
challenges worldwide, with specific populations
being disproportionately affected.
 COVID-19 and Mental Health
Worry
Stress
Anxiety
and other emotional responses are to be
expected during such times of instability, and
for those already suffering mental illness, the
extra pressure serves to exacerbate their
condition.
An additional challenge for those
experiencing mental distress during the
pandemic is that social distancing regulations
make it more difficult to access appropriate
mental healthcare services.
 According to the CDC:

Pandemics can be stressful.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people.

Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and
cause strong emotions in adults and children.

Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and
can increase stress and anxiety.

However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your
community stronger.
 Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:

Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial
situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.

Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

Worsening of chronic health problems.

Worsening of mental health conditions.

Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

 Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:

Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial
situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.

Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

Worsening of chronic health problems.

Worsening of mental health conditions.

Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

 DOH National Mental Health Program manager Frances Prescila Cuevas said at
least 3.6 million Filipinos were found to have mental conditions, based on the national
prevalence study on mental, neurological and substance use disorders.

DOH data showed that the most number of calls came from people
suffering from depression with 1,145,871 followed by alcohol use disorder
with 874,145.

The callers’ ages ranged from 18 to 30 and were mostly women.

Cuevas said the top three reasons for calling were related to anxiety, asking
for referrals to psychiatrists and inquiries regarding hospital services.
Have you felt any
of these?
Eating or sleeping too little or too much

Having low energy

Feeling unusually confused, on edge, or

scared

Hearing voices or believing things that are

untrue

Inability to perform daily tasks

There is less than one mental health
worker for every 100,000 Filipinos, and
many are currently unable to gain access
to services
Develop Coping Skills

Take a deep breath, Embrace the Be in touch with your

then relax. five senses. thoughts and feelings.
Coping with Stress Related to COVID-19

•Exercise
•Meditation
•Sleep
•Eat healthy, balanced meals
•Avoid drugs and alcohol
•Connect with others (virtually)
 Global Data: 24,257,989
Activities to Manage Negative Emotions
as of August 28, 2020 World Health Organization Report
• Call or text a good friend or family
member.
• Do something creative. Draw a picture or
build a model.

• Do some chores, such as cleaning the

house, doing laundry, or washing dishes.
 Global Data: 24,257,989
Activities to Manage Negative Emotions
as of August 28, 2020 World Health Organization Report

• Exercise.
• Practice mindfulness. Focus on your breathing.

• Focus your attention on your environment.

• Go out shopping (Online).

 Global Data: 24,257,989
Activities to Manage Negative Emotions
as of August 28, 2020 World Health Organization Report
• Take part in a fun and challenging game that requires
• Read a good book or watch a funny movie.
some level of attention, such as a crossword puzzle or
Sudoku.

• Take part in a self-soothing behavior.

 Global Data: 24,257,989
Activities to Manage Negative Emotions
as of August 28, 2020 World Health Organization Report
Holistic Healing
50

40
Treatments for mental health
problems vary.
30

20

10

It can include a mix of therapy, medication, and a

support system.
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 When we help ourselves, we also help others.

“ One day you will tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you went through,
and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide.”