The vanity of vanities

countering problematic norms ingrained upon a majority of the Filipinos. The voice of the youth is a powerful force that can facilitate wide-scale changes within the current system, and for once, it has

February 27, 2017 – seven senators filed the Senate Bill No. 1354; last May, the Philippine Mental Health Bill was approved by the Senate on its call for a comprehensive mental health law in order to uphold health and protect the rights of those who require mental health services. However, change in legislation can only go so far as to mental health. To date, the bill is still pending in the House of Representatives, but a victory within the halls of Congress does across the nation, especially if the dialog remains to be contained within formal institutions.

Conversations about such issues should start with the most basic of units in society – families, because tight- knit social circles guarantee that help will always be within reach. It is high time for the subject of mental health to be fully integrated into all aspects of society living; it should be a point of concern within school and the workplace as well, and just within mental health institutions. Although the call for change has brought in new allies in treatment and rehabilitation, liberation from the shadow of stigma and discrimination should remain to be the utmost priority for every Filipino. Our only suit of armor against the threat of ignorance and apathy is the heart of compassion and the desire for change.

A made up ruse for attention; a euphemism for insanity; an inexorable phase of adolescence… these are the predominant notions people have regarding a certain mental illness called depression. - ties, but the millennial generation begs to differ. There are still many steps to take and there is still a war to be fought.

The battle is never over.