To visit a mental health specialist or not?
IN A documentary by Kara David, titled Bilanggo ng Isip, she said that it’s easy for people to judge and say that parents or relatives who chained their loved ones who have mental disorder is wrong, brutal, inhumane and the list of strong words get longer. But in reality, these parents or relatives have no choice. Why? Because it is taboo to the community that a family member is mentally unstable. Because the family is afraid to be a laughing stock if a family member is mentally sick. Because it is expensive to visit a mental health expert. And because culturally speaking, it is not normal to talk about mental health.
On the other hand, in the past few months, numerous people have been taking their own lives. Even celebrities were not spared, one after the other, self-destruction becomes their last resort. The reason? Depression (major depressive disorder), according to the American Psychiatric Association, is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
In the Cordilleras, many families can’t and don’t talk about mental health. If a family member experiences emotional and mental disturbances, many interpret that the individual’s ancestors are not happy with the way they were buried and so the family performs rituals or if not, unseen spirits or creatures were mistreated that is why they are disturbing the person.
However, now that people are well-educated, well-informed, then it’s high time to look at the reality. Now people need not worry. The Republic Act No. 11036 which establishes a national mental health policy for the purpose of enhancing the delivery of integrated mental health services, promoting and protecting the rights of persons utilizing psychiatric, neurologic and psychosocial health services, appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes has been finally signed by the President into law.
It might still be a long road for the society to fully accept the idea that it’s normal to visit and have a consultation with a psychiatrist. A person might still feel embarrassed when neighbor finds out that he or she is undergoing psychiatric treatment. But as what Senator Risa Hontiveros, author and principal sponsor of the law said, “Help is finally here”.
Acceptance takes time. Gradually, people will come to terms with the importance of mental health, and eventually, no more individuals who suffer in silence.