"EMOTIONAL Monster" is what Negrense psychologist Mark Ortibano calls for major depressive disorder commonly known as depression.
Ortibano said depression is a severe mental disorder that affects not just how people think but also how they feel and behave.
"One misconception about this complex abnormality is calling people with depression as insane," he said, stressing that this gives more "emotional monsters" to them.
For the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a common mental disorder. In its data released on January 30 this year, the WHO reported that more than 264 million people of all ages globally suffer from depression.
Based on the 2000 Census of Population and Housing, mental illness and mental retardation rank third and fourth, respectively, among the types of disabilities in the Philippines.
Though there's no actual data yet as to how many Filipinos suffer from depression due to prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis, it is expected that the cases will rise amid the pandemic.
The global health crisis has triggered fear, worry, and stress which according to the WHO are normal responses to real threats at times when people are faced with uncertainty.
SunStar Bacolod, through this special report, tackles the pressing issue on mental health amid this Covid-19 pandemic.
This short explanatory video entitled "Emotional Monster" presents a face of depression based on actual experience of a Negrense overseas Filipino worker.
This mirrors a social reality that needs to be given more attention especially during this national health emergency.
It aims to give audience better understanding of this mental disorder, as well as of the plight of the people suffering from it so they can be given help.
Also, this report intends to stir more awareness about this health issue and spur more actions from various sectors especially the government.
Watch it here:
Here's the fully video: