The Mental Health Status of the Philippines

“Culture are traditions and customs, transmitted through learning, that form and guide the
beliefs and behavior of the people exposed to them” (Kottak, 2011). Culture is also the socially
learned knowledge and patterns of behavior shared by some group of people (Peoples & Bailey,
2012). Yet, culture is more than ethnicity and social norms; it includes religious, geographic,
socioeconomic…beliefs and behaviors (Halter & Varcarolis, 1990). Each group of people has
their own cultural beliefs, values, and practices that guides them in ways of thinking and acting.

Norms are cultural standards or guidelines that enable individuals to distinguish between
appropriate and inappropriate behavior in a given society (Kottak, 2002). Cultural norms
prescribe what is seen as “normal” and “abnormal” in a given context. According to the Center
for Mental Health Services (US), “Culture and social context influence mental health…”.
Furthermore, cultures differ in the meaning and level of significance and concern they give to
mental illness (Andrade, 2017). Discussed further will be the current state of the Philippines on
mental health.

Filipinos are known to exhibit a sunny disposition in life (Planco, 2014). They live in a
culture where they are expected to be resilient and “happy” all the time regardless of whether or
not they are experiencing any suffering. During times of struggle such as disaster and calamities,
it is a common practice to just rise above these problems using one’s own strength of will. It is
this character trait that has saved them from a very miserable reality. Filipinos put too much faith
in people by believing they can just rise above anything. Spirituality and prayer have been long
used to cope with illness and adversity in many different religious traditions (Targ & Levine,
2002) but, this is not always the case. When it comes to actual illnesses or disorders, one needs
to recognize the problem and receive the needed help from professionals.

In the Philippines, families are close-knit and influenced by tradition. As Tarroja (2010)
said, Filipinos families are described as family-centered, and are observed to be closely-knit.
They also play a crucial role when it comes to decision-making and support system. Mental
illness is dealt with through the help of family and friends and through faith in God. However,
one’s mental illness is also seen as the family’s illness and is often associated with shame or
stigma.

Assistance is often sought from relatives and peers before approaching professionals.
According to Sanchez and Gaw (2007), “Decisions, including health care practices and
preferences, advance directives, and consent for procedures and treatment, are commonly made
in consultation with the family.” Filipino families are willing to unconditionally sacrifice their
time and vocation to accept and to help care for their disabled family members. Though, there
are some who may not accept them as cohabitants or employees. Dr. Pacifico, a doctor in the
Philippines, explained that “...proper mental health treatment is hindered by a huge wall of denial
among family members of the mentally ill person, blocking the opportunities that could have
maximized their potential and improved their state.”

A possible reason for the rejection of mental illness in the country is based on some belief
that persons with mental illnesses are very dangerous. This is due to how the media portrays
these mental illnesses to the masses. They focus on violent acts and often blame these acts on
mental illnesses. Despite the fact that only 3-5% of all violent acts can be attributed to people
with a serious mental illness and substance abuse tends to play a part in these acts (Tracy, 2017).
All these myths and misconceptions towards mental illnesses are hindering the country from
opening their minds towards these issues.

Mental health awareness in the Philippines is not yet well established. Several stigmas are
associated with various mental illnesses which include: mental health only being a part of our
imagination, mental health being a type of consequence from supernatural beings or mental
illnesses being synonymous to crazy or “baliw”. And all these can be disproved only if Filipinos
are more open-minded and made aware towards this issue.

A step towards mental health awareness can begin through reform in the mental health
policy in the country. Policymakers can create open public discussions on mental health that can
ease the Filipinos into more critical and vibrant debates regarding mental illness. As of April
2017, the legal rights for mental illness in the Philippines is governed by the Magna Carta for
Disabled Persons. Yet, this law is limiting as its aims are mainly welfare-oriented and
rehabilitative. Legal rights that could empower those suffering from mental illness regarding
treatment and other aspects of their everyday life are not well-articulated (Tugade, 2017).
Moreover, the language used in Philippine law is outdated. Its legal category for mental illness is
recognized as “insanity” and it fails to recognize that mental illnesses can exist in different
degrees, since its effect varies from person to person. A special law on mental illness should not
only comply with international standards but also emphasize anti-discrimination and patients'
rights to make their own choices regarding treatment.

Mental health is an issue that affects not only the Filipinos but also society as a whole. As
such, we should do what we can in spreading awareness and fighting the stigma that delegitimize
the problem at hand. So far, the Philippines is still not there when it comes to the legal
frameworks that is needed to address the issue, as well as the facilities and the professionals
needed. Still, who’s there to say that there is no progress?

Reference List
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