Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in the Spotlight
If you’ve ever watched the movie Inside Out 2, you might have resonated with Riley's new emotions and struggles as part of growing up. From anxiety attacks to erratic mood swings, the film captures the reality of many teenagers’ mental health struggles, which have risen 25% worldwide since the pandemic. In the Philippines alone, the number of mental health disorders reported increases annually by 2%, with presumably many more unreported and contributing to a “silent epidemic,” according to the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA). Amidst this health crisis, it is imperative to create a supportive environment in place of our current culture, where mental health is often overlooked and stigmatized.
A recent American Psychological Association (APA) study revealed that Generation Z (Gen Z) – those born between 1997 and 2012– are the most affected by this issue. Although still in their adolescence or young adulthood, they are the most likely to self-diagnose and experience mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, than other age groups. Often known online as the “most depressed generation,” Gen Z faces numerous challenges that contribute to this alarming trend driven by an evolving culture and social climate, highlighting their urgent need for proper care. Unfortunately, many Filipino Gen Zs still encounter significant barriers when seeking help due to the persistent stigma surrounding mental health.
In the Philippines, mental health is not as widely recognized or accepted as physical health, leading to higher anxiety (4%) and depression (8%) rates in Filipino Gen Zs compared to other nations, according to the AXA Study of Mind Health and Wellbeing 2023. To this day, many Filipinos from older generations remain unaware of the existence of mental health disorders or the importance of seeking treatment. These issues often are not seen as legitimate health concerns but as personal failings or overreactions. In fact, those who report mental health issues may face marginalization and could be dismissed as being "baliw" (crazy), "sira ulo" (insane), or perceived as “kahihiyan” (an embarrassment) to their families.
The consequences of this stigma result in many suffering in silence due to the fear of judgment and discrimination. Without proper treatment, mental health conditions can deteriorate, resulting in severe emotional, psychological, and physical distress. In extreme cases, the ultimate tragic outcome of untreated mental illness is suicide, a rising and worrying trend among the youth. During the pandemic, 404 Filipino students committed suicide, while 2,147 attempted such.
Nevertheless, recovery is not only challenging but also inaccessible and costly. Mental health services are usually in urban centers, creating difficulties for those seeking treatment in provincial areas. Furthermore, treatment is expensive and rarely covered by insurance, costing from P1,000 to P4,500 per session in Metro Manila. With the minimum wage in Metro Manila being P645, it’s unsurprising that seeking treatment is not a simple decision.
As such, the best way to destigmatize mental health is to build a culture of understanding and acceptance. This can be achieved by being approachable to open dialogue and communication, creating a safe space free of judgment. Encouraging conversations about one’s well-being normalizes the issue and reduces the stigma. It also promotes a better understanding of the challenges some people face.
Ultimately, mental health is not a battle fought alone. Friends, family, and communities must actively participate in creating a supporting and understanding environment. This involves being present for loved ones and offering a listening ear. Showing empathy and compassion can make a significant difference in someone's life, especially when you are unaware of the burdens they are carrying. At the same time, those experiencing mental health challenges should seek help and recognize that seeking treatment is a sign of strength and not weakness. By using our voices to support one another, we can break the silence and bring hope to those in need.
