REPUBLIC Act No. 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law - an act establishing a national mental health policy for the purpose of enhancing the delivery of integrated mental health services, promoting and protecting the rights of persons utilizing psychiatric, neurologic and psychosocial health services, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes - was finally signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte on June 20, 2018.
The law’s goals are to (1) secure the rights and welfare of mental health professionals and persons with mental health needs, (2) provide mental health services in hospitals and barangays, (3) improve mental health facilities, and (4) integrate mental health education in schools and workplaces.
Many organizations have practiced this law, but several still need to implement this law. Mental health is even more essential now than ever. The pandemic has increased the need for these services. Many have suffered from anxiety disorders and depression. There is an alarming rise of death by suicide.
The law would make mental health services more accessible and convenient. Hospitals particularly the public hospitals are encouraged to have a psychiatric unit/ward to cater those in need of mental health concerns. Health workers are trained to familiar on how to deal with these cases. It would also include increasing the budget for the Department of Health’s Mental Health Programs.
Today, the DOH, is still making mental health policies, but has launched the “Lusog-Isip” app, a toolkit to improve one’s mental health. It can be downloaded from Google Play and Apple Store.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), better known as PhilHealth, is working on formulating a new and better package that may include consultation fees and medicines. As of the moment, PhilHealth only covers around seven thousand eight hundred pesos (PhP 7,800) for patients admitted diagnosed with schizophrenia, dementia, bipolar and anxiety disorders. Mental health advocates are rooting that this will be implemented this year.
A few private insurance companies also cover mental health in their insurance plans.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has published a guideline to implement mental health workplace policies for private organizations. It states that it is mandatory for to formulate mental health policies and programs in all workplaces and establishments. The plan should include raising awareness and prevent stigma and discrimination, as well as to provide support to employees experiencing mental health issues.
The Happy Beginners School of Learning was able to prepare a Mental Health Policy. One of its activities was to invite this writer to talk on Mental Health and Stress Management. We established that mental health is about loving one’s self, one’s relationship with other people and stress is “normal” and will always be there. Everyone who is resilient can handle everyday issues. We enjoyed exchanging stories during the workshop.
Here are some tips on handling stress which I communicated with them – where many agreed during the big group sharing.
Y - Yearn for your family
O – Offer a Prayer
U – Understand and love yourself
M – Make time for “ME” time
A - Accept things you cannot control
T – Talk to someone
T – Teach yourself
E – Express your thoughts and feelings
R – Rest and relax
It is also noted that each one of us is unique. Therefore, some of these suggestions may work for some but not for the rest. There are still many other healthy ways in dealing life’s challenges. You just need to identify what makes you happy.
Remember, you matter, you are amazing and loved.