Sito Longges: LIVE MENTAL HEALTH DISCUSSION

The live discussion on mental health with Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Ms. Kylie Versoza (Miss International 2016), Dr. June Lopez, and Dr. Gia Sison was successfully organized by Youth for Mental Health Coalition wherein representatives from various organizations participated. It was aired on the Facebook page of Sen. Risa Hontiveros (facebook.com/hontiverosrisa) yesterday, May 29, 2017, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Gia Sison. They started on sharing their sentiments about the rampant stigma in the Philippines such as may topak, sira ulo, it’s all in your head, baliw, etc. Ms. Kylie pointed out the common misconceptions and distinguished sadness from depression. On the other hand, Dr. Lopez mentioned that stigma is an issue that people are coming out for help. Most people are afraid to seek help lest others might label them as may sira or other negative impressions that devalue them.

Added to the stigma, the mental health services and research in the Philippines are marginalized. Thus, mental health bill was drafted along with rights-based approach/legislation. This bill ensures that Filipinos will gain access to mental health services, protects the rights and welfare of people with mental health needs, incorporation of mental health in school’s curriculum, modernization of facilities, cascading the information and services down to the barangays, and other important things that will definitely help the people in the community to become psychologically healthy which eventually lead to better life and better country.

Highlights

There is an increasing number of cases which can be construed as people are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health. (Dr. June Lopez)

Making mental health mainstream helps people validate that what they are experiencing is normal. They will be compelled to research on their problems and search for options to alleviate it. Ms. Kylie stated the purpose of the bill is to know about the sickness, to acknowledge it as a sickness, and to take certain steps to cure it or to deal with it. She shared her personal accounts on depression and briefly discuss her online support group, “Mental Health Matters,” wherein she and her sister are one of the admins of the group. (Ms. Kylie Versoza)

People should be wary in taking advice from people regarding their problems such as receiving “kaya mo yan” or “lilipas rin iyan.” Learn to recognize when to seek help. It is more important to seek help from mental health professionals. (Dr. June Lopez)

“Mentally disabled are probably the most vulnerable to abuses.” (Dr. June Lopez)

Suggested to try other alternatives that may help people alleviate stress and mental health condition such as yoga, meditation, reading self-help articles, self-affirmations, and others since it helped her recovered from depression. (Ms. Kylie Versoza)

The mental health professionals and other advocates are trying their best to make sure that service users are protected and free from all forms of inhumane and degrading treatment. (Dr. June Lopez)

Watch the message of Sen. Risa Hontiveros:

It's been two decades since the advocates started to fight for the rights of people to access mental health services. It's been a long fight and we still need to endure. We need to work hand-in-hand to make all these things turn into reality. Let’s show our support by signing the petition! Here’s the link:

Sign the petition

https://www.change.org/p/house-of-representatives-an-appeal-to-the-house-of-representatives-to-pass-the-philippines-first-mental-health-law?recruiter=724037297&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition

Thank you, folks! Let's #EndtheStigma! Join us!