COMMUNITY

MENTAL HEALTH
NURSING
MENTAL HEALTH is an integral part of every individual.
The WHO (1999) defined mental health as a state of
social well-being in which every individual realizes his
or her own potential, can cope with the normal
stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully,
and is able to make a contribution to her or his
community. Mental health is determined by the
interplay of different factors that affect the mental
state and well-being of an individual (Ignacio et.al,
2000).
It may be determined by socioeconomic factors;
however, there is evidence that genetics may affect
the mental state of an individual.
-Poverty
-low levels of education
-poor living conditions
- hopelessness may increase vulnerability to Fillness.
For example, street children are more likely to be
exposed to physical illness, mental accidents, family
problems, inadequate social support, and mental
health problems or even depression in the family.
Mental illness or mental disorder is any illness experienced
by a person that interferes with his or her thinking, feeling,
or social activities and even daily functioning it produces a
negative effect on one's life or the lives of the family. A
mental health problem, on the other hand, does not
hamper functioning and is temporarily experienced as a
reaction to life stressors. It is less severe and shorter in
duration, but it may develop into mental disorders. Mental
health problems have four facets as a public health burden
(WHO, 2001).
1. Defined or direct burden- burden affecting persons
with mental disorders such as cost of treatment, quality
of life, and disability.
2. Undefined or indirect burden - burden relating to the
impact of mental health problems to others such as
family members or the community who care for the
patient.
3. Hidden burden- stigma and violations of human
rights to persons affected with mental health problems.
4. Future or health burden- burden resulting from the
aging population or increasing social problems such as
the development of complications or other medical
illnesses or death.
The following were identified a conditions that can lead to
mental illnesses:
1. Stressful life events
2. Difficult family background
3. Brain diseases
4. Heredity
5. Medical problems
According to the WHO (2001), approximately one out of
four families has at least one member currently suffering
from mental illness. It is estimated that one in five of all
adults will experience a mental health problem. Statistics
showed that 4 out of 10 most disabling conditions in the
world were mental illnesses (WHO, 2011) Although mental
illness can be treated with simple relatively inexpensive
methods mental health services are not adequate. There is
a shortage of mental health professionals who can provide
quality mental health services Moreover, individuals with
mental illness are often discriminated by their family and
the community.
In the Philippines, home care management for
mentally ill patients is advocated. This is also
referred to as deinstitutionalization of mental
health care, so as to apply the promotive and
preventive levels in this aspect of health rather than
pursue the curative and rehabilitative care.
Acute cases are managed by the National Center for
Mental Health or hospitals with psychiatric facilities.
It shows the vision, mission, and goal of the National
Center for Mental Health.

Vision - better quality of life through total health

care for All filipinos
Mission- A rational and unified response to mental
health
Goal - quality mental health care