Manila: Mental health professionals said Filipinos should learn to recognize the importance of caring for their mental well-being and to help eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health conditions, emphasizing that it is 'okay not to feel okay.'
According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) president Dr. Joan Mae Rifareal, in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview Friday, said mental health is a vital part of overall wellness, noting that awareness and early recognition of symptoms are key to seeking timely help.
"There is no health without mental health, meaning, very integral component ang mental health sa ating holistic na health and wellness (mental health is a very integral component of our holistic health and wellness)," she said, quoting the World Health Organization.
She said awareness of subtle signs such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, sleep and appetite changes, or difficulty concentrating is important.
Depression and anxiety are real medical conditions that can affect a person's emotions, physical health, and cognitive functions, she said.
Citing that such conditions have scientific bases and involve changes in brain chemistry, Rifareal said mental health issues are not just imagination or drama, and stigma must be fought to make people unafraid to reach out and seek help.
Rifareal added that social and family support plays a crucial role in mental health recovery. She advised families to maintain open and non-judgmental communication with loved ones who may be struggling.
"Dapat we normalize that na lagi tayong kumusta, we talk openly kumusta ang araw, hindi iyong, sometimes kasi nagkakasama sa dining table pero nagsi-cellphone lang, hindi nag-uusap (We should normalize always checking on each other, asking how our day went, and talking openly, instead of just sitting together at the dining table while using our phones and not talking)," she said.
According to the PPA, young people ages 15 to 25 years old are more likely to report mental health concerns due to greater awareness and openness in seeking professional help.
It noted that self-care and community support through positive coping activities such as walking, gardening, art, and spending time outdoors are small acts that can boost natural happiness hormones and help one feel loved and connected.
As the country observes All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on Nov. 1 and 2, Rifareal reminded those mourning the loss of loved ones to allow themselves to grieve without guilt.
She stressed that grieving is a process with no timeline and mere presence could comfort the grieving.
Individuals in distress are encouraged to reach out to crisis hotlines, including the 1553 nationwide landline toll-free mental health crisis hotline of the National Center for Mental Health.
