THE SIGNING of Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Law by President Rodrigo Duterte was a milestone for mental health awareness in the country. It sets to provide affordable and accessible treatments to those who need it.
Physical health is not the only aspect about ourselves that we should care for.
Though we have come a long way in regards to mental health awareness, there is still a stigma towards it. This is prevalent with those who belong to the lower class.
Anxiety and depression are brushed away like the common cold. “You’re OA.” “You’re weak.” “Stop being lazy!” These are the bitter pills used to treat mental health for most people.
If you are under performing at work, you are deemed lazy. If your mood is different you are called strange or disrespectful. All the signs are usually avoided until it is too late and a life is lost.
PhilHealth covers mental health but only for the hospitalization by acute attacks of mental and behavioral disorders. Consultation and medicines (which can double the price of those for physical health) are not covered yet. It’s a shame because these are what the masses really need.
Mental health can affect your performance at work or school, your energy and even your physical health. The emotions can sometimes lead to self-neglect, self-harm and even suicide.
Hopefully in light of the “woke” generation, talking about mental health will be just as normal as talking about your allergies. The famous saying is “Mens sana in corpore sano” (a sound mind in a sound body). I, however, like to think it goes the other way as well.
In order to have a sound body, you need to have a sound mind./PN
