MENTAL HEALTH PROGAM in the ACADEMIA

ALDEN M. QUIZON, RN

On a Philippine TV program, one famous actor said “Yung depression, gawa-gawa lang ng mga tao yan. Gawa nila sa sarili nila.” when confronted, he added “Hindi,huwag n’yo suportahan. Gawa-gawa lang nila yon.” in the segment of the program “Juan for All, All for Juan. This statement shows that even famous individuals sometimes have no idea on what depression is much less what mental health is about? In connection, Mental illnesses are one of the most common disregarded health issues not only to developing countries, but to the developed countries as well, Mental Health Legislation & Human Rights (WHO, n.d.). The Philippines is also considered to be a third world country, which is also being interpreted to be a country in the poverty line, which leads to low educational program, social programs and assistance to its citizens, (as cited in Quora by Serge J.C, 2016). In connection, in the Philippines, coming from itsGross Domestic Product (GDP),only 3% is invested forHealth services, with only 0.02% of it is for mental health services, Abanilla et al. (2008).

The awareness and promotion of Mental Health has been a worldwide effort. Some countries develop programs to help their community in promoting awareness in mental health and therefore preventing mental illness to get worse. Examples of programs are The Gaining Ground Program developed by Barnett, Reedy and Vleeskens (1995) and Defeat Depression Project, these programs seeks to promote the awareness on mental health. Cabusas et al, (2009) and Abanilla et al., (2008) stated that widespread mental disorders bring hardships and difficulties not only to the one who suffer but also to the community and to those who provide care for them, often their immediate family. Therefore, the need for a mental health program is essential in a community especially to individuals living in rural or far-flung areas that may have low educational program, social programs and assistance to its citizens. Cases of mental disorders are growing and uncontrolled, these are some effects of poverty-driven conditions, natural disasters, state conflicts and little or no proper information/knowledge about mental health (WHO AIMS, 2007).

Promotion of mental health program in the public schools is also important. Teachers as well as students should also be given the chance to have access on mental health services because life in the school can be very tiring and toxic. By promoting mental health and providing a mental health program in the community, we may prevent the development of mental illness and decrease the number of people who are experiencing impairment in the ability to function well in the community.

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The author is a faculty member of Colegio De Sebastian