The unheralded COVID-19 pandemic, which forced millions of Filipinos quarantined at home for much of nearly seven months since March 17, has taken its toll on the population’s psychological resilience.
There are many factors: The virus continues to spread and claim more lives, the domestic economy has fallen into recession for the first time in 29 years with a record slump in the second quarter, the lockdown measures limit mobility and opportunities for earning a living, and there is no certainty as how students will cope with new modes of learning.
It is but appropriate that today, assigned as World Mental Health Day with the theme “Mental Health for All: Greater Investment—Greater Access,” we put focus on mental health issues that, absent official figures notwithstanding, need to be addressed by health authorities while standing up to the challenge of the insuperable coronavirus.
We ask the authorities, today and any other day during and post-pandemic time, not to turn a blind eye on mental health issues that have crashed on Filipinos—from as far south as Tawi Tawi to as far north as Batanes—during these difficult months.
There is little epidemiological evidence on mental disorders in the Philippines, but some relevant data are available.
For example, 14 percent of a population of 1.4 million Filipinos with disabilities were identified to have a mental disorder, according to the latest available figures from the Philippines Statistics Authority.
Officials have said four of the most common mental illnesses Filipino people are facing are schizophrenia, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression, driven up the wall by the controlled mobility, loss of jobs and anxiety over what the future may have for them, as well as fear for their own and their loved ones’ health.
With the lack of resources due to the poor socioeconomic status of many Filipinos, they develop physical sickness and insecurity, which make them more vulnerable to depression. This is true for Filipinos of whatever age.
Mental health issues, already formidable to begin with, became even more insurmountable during this difficult time. Worse, professional services intended to help those suffering from these issues have been halted or limited.
But as always, we do what we can. Given the lack of structured support for those affected by overwhelming and lingering mental issues, family members, online communities and other circles, as well as the government all have a role to play.
