The recent mass shooting at a Bangkok mall involving a minor with a history of mental illness has brought attention to young people and the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among them.
Although the incident took place in a neighboring country, it is still highly relevant to the Philippines, especially as we observe National Mental Health Month. Of particular concern is the alarming number of mental health cases reported among Filipino students.
According to the Department of Education (DepEd), 404 students took their own lives during the 2021-2022 academic year, with 2,147 others attempting suicide. Additionally, 775,962 young learners in public schools sought guidance counselors’ assistance during the same period. These figures far exceed the capacity of the country’s guidance counselors, with a staggering ratio of one mental health professional to nearly 13,400 learners as of 2021.
Last June, Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel called on President Marcos to declare a mental health emergency in recognition of the academic and economic pressures faced by today’s society, which have tragically claimed the lives of countless young people. It is crucial for the government to acknowledge the prevailing mental health crisis and develop a comprehensive national action plan.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that untreated mental health issues will have a significant impact on future generations. Currently, WHO estimates that 13 percent of 10-19-year-olds worldwide experience mental health conditions, and half of all mental health disorders in adulthood begin by age 14. However, most cases go undetected and untreated.
Tarun Dua, a mental health adviser at the WHO, emphasizes the long-lasting effects of untreated mental disorders. If left unaddressed, these conditions can hinder educational attainment, employment, relationships, and even parenting.
The mental health crisis is not limited to young people. Adults from generations that historically stigmatized mental illness also suffer from various mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. In 2020, the National Mental Health Program reported that 1,145,871 Filipinos experienced depression and 213,422 had schizophrenia.
The Philippines has made progress in prioritizing mental health and fostering a more open society. However, the statistics and realities on the ground reveal that much more needs to be done in terms of legislation, institutional support, and adequate funding.
The cost and accessibility of mental health treatment remains a significant barrier, especially for the marginalized and vulnerable populations whose living conditions can adversely affect their mental well-being. Although the passing of the Mental Health Act (MHA) in 2018 aimed to improve access to mental health services, the minimal budget allocation of P1.9 billion for this year, which covers the awareness campaign and medication, highlights the government’s low priority on mental health.
The state of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), described as “tragic” and “in poor condition” by a senator, exemplifies the limited availability of mental health services in the country. Two proposals have been put forward to complement the MHA and ensure the accessibility of mental health services in schools and communities: the enactment of local government ordinances integrating mental health services into basic health services, and the passage of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act by Congress, which would require the DepEd to establish “care centers” in schools and create positions for trained personnel to manage the program.
The recent case of a Grade 5 student who allegedly died from a brain hemorrhage after being slapped by a teacher underscores the urgency of providing professional mental health training to educators and guidance counselors.
All of these initiatives, including the localization of mental health services and additional positions for mental health professionals, require adequate funding. Unfortunately, the mental health sector is severely underfunded.
The government cannot afford to handle the mental health issue the way previous generations did, by ignoring, denying, and failing to treat it. Immediate action is needed to prevent a full-blown mental health crisis.
If you or someone you know requires assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health. Crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline.
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