On June 20, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act 11036 or the Mental Health Act. The signing was lauded by Mental Health advocates, stating this would "set the path for the government's policy in integrating mental healthcare into the public healthcare system."

Now, let’s tackle some key points about mental health – its importance, how to seek help for ourselves and loved ones who are struggling with mental health issues, and the steps that the government will take to raise mental health awareness.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to the state of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects our way of thinking, feelings, and actions. 

A healthy state of mind helps us handle stress, relate well with others, and guides us to make good choices.

Indeed, there is no health without mental health.

Over the course of life, different factors may affect a person's mental health, such as:

• Biological factors (genes or brain chemistry)
• Life experiences (abuse, trauma, loss)
• Family history of mental health problems

Mental Health Problems

Mental Health Disorders refer to a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior.  While having mental health concerns from time to time normally happens to most people, these concerns become health issues if they cause massive stress and affect your ability to function. Examples of mental illnesses include the following:

• Schizophrenia (Read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia)
• Anxiety (Read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety)
• Depression (Read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_(mood)
• Eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia)
• Bipolar disorder (Read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (Read more here: PTSD)

Early Warning Signs of Mental Disorders

How would you determine if someone you know has a mental health problem? Though specific signs may vary through different problems, you may want to watch out for these early warning signs:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and usual activities
• Having low energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Inability to perform daily tasks
• Having persistent thoughts you can't get out of your head
• Hearing voices or believing in things that are not true
• Thinking of harming yourself or others 

Medication, Treatment, and Maintenance

A person with a mental health problem should seek professional help. In the Philippines, psychiatric clinics are available in most health institutions. What's more, a few of them even offer free consultation or medication to their patients. Persons with mental health problems can also avail of assistance and 20% discount for their medications with their Person With Disability (PWD) ID, in accordance with RA 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

Different Suicide Prevention hotlines are open 24/7 to help and support individuals at risk of harming themselves or taking their own lives.

National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) hotline can be reached through the following numbers:

0917-899-USAP (8727)
0917-989-8727

Here are different ways to maintain positive mental health:

• Get professional help if needed
• Connect with family, friends, or different people who can understand your situation
• Get physically active
• Get enough sleep
• Develop coping skills to help you overcome stress

The Mental Health Act of the Philippines

In cooperation with different government agencies, the law aims to integrate Mental Health into the education system and promote Mental Health programs to communities, educational institutions, and workplaces to correct the stigma and discrimination associated with mental conditions. It also aims to identify and help individuals with mental health conditions by providing them medical treatment and psycho-social support. 

The law also aims to put up mental health services in schools, universities, and workplaces to ensure the mental health of students and employees all over the country.

While the Philippines still has a long way to go when it comes to Mental Health, the Mental Health Act brings us a few steps closer to raising awareness, ending stigma, and providing those with mental health struggles the support they need.