DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) Region 6’s initiative of focusing on a more holistic approach to mental health shines a spotlight on a significant and timely issue. Mental health is a matter of public health, and in a society where the mind is often given secondary importance to the body, efforts like this underscore the urgent need for a shift in perspective.
The figures are alarming. The increase in the number of suicides and the surge in mental health crisis hotline queries can be taken as indicators of a growing mental health epidemic. Particularly concerning is the fact that the majority of these cases involve young adults and adolescents. The data underscores the fragility of our youth’s mental well-being, a demographic that is arguably the most vulnerable, given their transitional phase in life and susceptibility to external pressures.
It’s vital to highlight that the factors contributing to deteriorating mental health are multifaceted, including familial, social, academic, and economic elements. The pandemic, with its lockdowns, and the forced physical and social isolation it brought, has compounded the challenges faced by many. The absence of regular social interactions and the confinement indoors are stressors that can exacerbate existing mental health issues or trigger new ones.
The importance of early detection and intervention cannot be stressed enough. Schools, given the amount of time students spend there, play a pivotal role in this. Teachers and educational institutions are on the front lines, often seeing firsthand the behavioral shifts in students that might indicate underlying problems. Equipping them with the skills to recognize and appropriately respond to these signs is not just commendable but necessary.
However, the responsibility of mental health does not lie solely with educators. Parents, too, play a critical role. The plea from DOH-6’s Dr. Gayomali to parents to be vigilant about behavioral changes in their children is a crucial one. As primary caregivers, they need to ensure that they provide a safe environment for their children to express themselves, validate their feelings, and seek professional assistance when necessary.
This move towards community-based mental health solutions brings forward an essential perspective – mental health is a collective responsibility. Whether it’s the media being trained to report responsibly on suicide or community health workers being involved, it’s clear that the path to a mentally healthier society involves all of us. The community at large must be empowered, educated, and equipped to be both responsive and proactive in addressing mental health concerns.
The creation and management of the Mental Health Crisis Hotlines is a positive step, providing those in crisis with a lifeline. The fact that these lines are managed by trained professionals who can refer callers to the necessary services is heartening. Moreover, their emphasis on confidentiality assures individuals that their concerns will be addressed with discretion and sensitivity.
Mental health isn’t just the concern of the individual suffering but the community that surrounds them. As the old African proverb goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In the same vein, it will take a whole community to safeguard its collective mental well-being.
