Anxiety, depression most common mental health problems in PH

Image from Pixabay
Image from Pixabay

ANXIETY and depression are the prevalent mental health problems in the country, said Philippines Mental Health Association associate affiliate Dr. Anuj Gaba.

During a media forum on Monday, September 26, Gaba said the depression rate during the Covid-19 pandemic has increased to one out of four people because of the isolation and loneliness being experienced during this time.

Another factor is the transition phase from being isolated or alone, to dealing with the strains of face-to-face activities after getting used to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“They’re taking time to readjust, we have to accept that instead of forcing them to adjust immediately. Now because of F2F, they have a lot of work, classes and stress. It’s really difficult for them to cope with that,” Gaba said.

According to the doctor, the majority of the individuals experiencing or are diagnosed with mental health problems are youth aged 15 to 20 years old but persons of any age can be vulnerable as well.

Gaba said those who are susceptible to mental health problems have experienced rape or abuse, have a dependency on drugs and alcohol, as well as those who have an existing mental illness but are undiagnosed.

Such situations develop into anxiety and if untreated, often lead to suicide.

The doctor added that suicide rates are also getting higher more frequently since many people do not properly understand the importance of mental health and addressing concerns related to it.

“If we understand the depths of mental health, these suicide rates can go down,” Gaba said. ICM

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