CL GAD Committee pushes for mental health care amid pandemic
Reverend Father Enrique Luzung shared that the current crisis has affected the mental health of the people that it leads to violence against oneself or to other people.
“Because of the pandemic, people are claiming nowadays that they are anxious or depressed. With the increase of various economic and socio-economic problem in this pandemic, the health of the people is undeniably affected,” he said during thewebinaronReinvigorating the Minds and Hearts to End Violence
Against Womenorganizedbythe Regional Gender and Development Committee ( RGADC) .
He explained that mental health issues such as depression could manifest in following ways such as nervousness, restlessness, irritability, preoccupation with aches and pains, passiveness, and withdrawnness.
The red flags for anxiety include excessive worrying, fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, restlessness, gastrointestinal distress, sleep disturbances, and heart t r oubl e.
“Mental illness is inevi t abl e in pandemic.The rate of suicide cases is rising due to the extended lockdown which results to the surge of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
A saddening fact about it is that most of those who are affected are women,” he stated.
Moreover, Luzung emphasized that one way in coping up to mental health illnesses is by means of self-care.
“Self-care is the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illnesses and disability without the support of a healthcare provider,” he explained.
“Practical tips for self-care are to engage in non-work hobbies, make time to engage in friends and family, and always make time for relaxation. We have to remember that a good mental health starts with oneself,” he furthered.
Meanwhile, Commission on Higher Education Regional Director and RGADC Chairperson Maria Teresita Semana pointed that empowering women is also creating equal rights between men.
“When we talk about women, the first to applaud should be the men. When we talk about women, we talk about women of men’s lives. Empowering our women is still the best weapon in addressing the manifold problems that emanate from different forms of discriminations,” she emphasi zed.
She said that events such as the 18-day campaign to End VAW is a platform to recognize the important role of women, and the fundamental equality of men and women.
RGADC reiterates the call to empower women, and create equal rights between men.
The campaign to End Violence Against Women aims to heighten the awareness and consciousness on women’s well-being as they face challenges, especially in this time of pandemic.
(PIA 3)
ITY OF SAN FERNANDO-- Violence against may not always be an outside source but a personal inflict triggered by mental health problems escalating during this pandemic.