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What is the current situation of mental health in the Philippines?
According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), mental health illnesses rank as the third most common form of morbidity among Filipinos. In the assessment conducted on the Philippine mental health system, a prevalence of 16% of mental disorders among children was reported. Conclusions. Close to 1 in 10 young adults (8.9%) in the Philippines experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Policies and mental health resources are needed to support young adults who are experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms. In 2001, the Philippines implemented its “first mental health policy.” Followed by a revision in 2016, the Philippines arrived at a nationwide enactment of the newest installment of the Mental Health Act in 2018. The Mental Health Act designates mental health services as a fundamental right for all Filipino citizens. A report by the World Health Organization showed there are only around 1,200 practicing psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses in the Philippines in 2020.
What are the common mental health issues in the Philippines?
Mental, neurological and substance use conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, epilepsy, dementia and alcohol-use disorders, pose a significant challenge in the Philippines. The WHO estimated that 154 million Filipinos suffer from depression, 1 million from schizophrenia, and 15.3 million from substance use disorders, while 877,000 die due to suicide every year (Department of Health, 2018). The Department of Health is urging students to consider careers in mental health care as the demand for psychologists and psychiatrists is seen to rise in the coming years. MANILA, Philippines — Mental health disorders are expected to rise in the country, requiring more professionals to deal with the problem. Psychiatrists and psychologists are too few — with the scarcity becoming more pronounced, the further away from urban areas a potential patient lives. In the Philippines, we have around 600 psychiatrists for a population of 110 million and most are situated in Manila, Versoza said. Ethical Issues Associated with Professional Practice of Psychology One of the ethical issues faced by Filipino psychologists and psychometricians is the obligation to select nonbiased test instruments and use them in a way that is not racially or culturally biased.
Is mental health neglected in the Philippines?
Mental healthcare remains an under-resourced and neglected aspect of healthcare in the Philippines. Stigma towards people with mental illnesses in the Philippines is rampant; there seems to be lack of sensitivity in referencing mental health issues. Many forms of stigma affect people with mental illnesses. In Filipino culture, mental illness is attributed to superstitious or supernatural causes, such as God’s will, witchcraft, and sorcery [68, 69], which contradict the biopsychosocial model used by mental health care professionals. Just one session with a psychiatrist can cost up to 4,500 Philippine Pesos resulting in poor families being unable to afford the privilege of therapy or medication. The Philippine Mental Health Association In 1951, it pioneered a nationwide educational movement through the endorsement of the first National Mental Health Week, which subsequent- ly became an annual celebration. Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Filipino psychology) refers to the psychology born out of the experience, thought and orientation of the Filipinos, based on the full use of Filipino culture and language.
What percentage of the population has mental health issues Philippines?
There is little epidemiological evidence on mental disorders in the Philippines; however, some important data are available. For example, 14% of a population of 1.4 million Filipinos with disabilities were identified to have a mental disorder (Philippines Statistics Authority, 2010). There is little epidemiological evidence on mental disorders in the Philippines; however, some important data are available. For example, 14% of a population of 1.4 million Filipinos with disabilities were identified to have a mental disorder (Philippines Statistics Authority, 2010). According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), mental health illnesses rank as the third most common form of morbidity among Filipinos. In the assessment conducted on the Philippine mental health system, a prevalence of 16% of mental disorders among children was reported. The cultural beliefs of Filipinos vary in almost every respect. One of the popular beliefs is that depression and anxiety are non-existent, and that mental illnesses are something to be ashamed of. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 in every 5 Americans is currently living with a mental illness. Of those, the three most common diagnoses are anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How do Filipinos view mental health?
The cultural beliefs of Filipinos vary in almost every respect. One of the popular beliefs is that depression and anxiety are non-existent, and that mental illnesses are something to be ashamed of. Filipino older adults tend to cope with illness with the help of family and friends, and by faith in God. Complete cure or even the slightest improvement in a malady or illness is viewed as a miracle. Filipino families greatly influence patients’ decisions about health care. Kapwa is the core construct of Filipino Psychology. Kapwa has two categories, Ibang Tao and Hindi Ibang Tao. Ibang Tao (outsider) There are five interaction levels under this category: Pakikitungo: civility – right behavior meant right demeanor towards authorities (Parents, Elders, etc.). Along with cardiovascular diseases, cancers take the lives of tens of thousands of Filipinos each year. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among Filipino women, and the Philippines has the highest number of breast cancer incidents among 197 countries in the world.
What are the reasons why some Filipinos do not seek mental health help?
Other cultural variables such as shame, stigma, and collectivist beliefs also discourage Filipinos from seeking help from mental health professionals. Furthermore, these variables could account for the preference for folk healers and lay networks in treating mental illnesses. Other cultural variables such as shame, stigma, and collectivist beliefs also discourage Filipinos from seeking help from mental health professionals. Furthermore, these variables could account for the preference for folk healers and lay networks in treating mental illnesses. At present, resources are scarce: only 3 to 5 percent of the total health budget is allocated to mental health, and there are only around 1,400 psychologists and 500 psychiatrists in the country. This gives an approximate ratio of 1 psychologist to 80,000 Filipinos. Close to 1 in 10 young adults (8.9%) in the Philippines experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Policies and mental health resources are needed to support young adults who are experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Ethical Issues Associated with Professional Practice of Psychology One of the ethical issues faced by Filipino psychologists and psychometricians is the obligation to select nonbiased test instruments and use them in a way that is not racially or culturally biased. What can I earn as a Psychologist? The average monthly salary for Psychologist jobs in the Philippines ranges from ₱25,000 to ₱35,000.