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Addressing Mental Health in the Philippines

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71 views8 pages

Addressing Mental Health in the Philippines

Uploaded by

dynaerizg
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

● Executive Summary

Experts stated in October 2023 that "the mental health crisis is a rising epidemic in the
Philippines." According to the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), mental health
issues cut across all sectors and ages among Filipinos, gender notwithstanding. Mental illness
is now such a common condition in the Philippines that at least 3.6 million people had mental,
neurological, and substance use problems, according to the Department of Health. PMHA
demanded more funds to enhance mental health services, a sustained public awareness drive,
the passage of local mental health ordinances, and a better implementation of the Philippine
Mental Health Act, also known as Republic Act No. 11036. To act on this call, we would like to
propose a comprehensive Project Proposal that aims to provide free and regular counseling
sessions.

-Lianne

● Project Background and Rationale

Current healthcare landscape

Mental Health is a significant public concern that is becoming more prevalent in the Philippines,
at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffer with mental issues according to the Department of Health
(DOH). As a matter of fact Filipinos face these kinds of mental problems. Despite the passage of
the Philippine mental health Act on 21st of June 2018, it is still seen as a taboo resulting in
many people avoiding and refusing to seek help. It has been stated that the lack of facilities,
Professionals that are able to provide significant help, and budget are some of the reasons why
mental health problems are still widespread. Many organizations, especially the Department of
Health emphasize the need to increase efforts and focus to close these gaps.

-Janine

Raising awareness of mental health issues, making care more accessible, and assisting for
local community implementation is what this project aims to accomplish. Proposing services and
addressing what they actually need, in order to provide help to the people in Sabang City of
Dasmarinas Cavite.

Barangay Sabang is one of the most active local communities in Dasmarinas City, Cavite today.
The Barangay’s active management and the presence of significant community projects and
programs serve as testament for this. Because of the anticipated positive collaboration of the
Barangay Officials, SK Officials, and the people of Sabang, we believe that it is beneficial to
implement the proposed project U.S.A.P T.A.U (Uniting Services & Assistance for Psychological
Health Through Advocacy and Understanding) in this barangay.
- Sam
Literature Review

Studies show that Mental Health is crucial to the overall health and well-being of Filipinos.
Promoting interventions like bills and advocacy. Studies includes:

❖ The Republic Act no. 11036 on 21 June 2018, provides a framework for
implementing a health bill about mental health and establishes the need for a
comprehensive, effective and efficient service (Supreme Court E-Library, 2018)

❖ Philippine Mental Health Association raised the alarm over the “rising epidemic of
mental health crisis’’ in the country. The group, composed of mental health
professionals and advocates, said the situation needs widespread awareness,
support and action (Philippine News Agency, 2023)

❖ 600 licensed psychiatrists in the Philippines said to be a shortage in accordance


to the Department of Health, and that mental illness affect not only individuals but
also families (Saul Pa-a, 2019)

❖ Findings showed from the mental health policy in the Philippines and mental
health legislation that there have been several initiatives in order to develop every
Filipino's mental health ranging from various government agencies, particularly to
provide different implementations in regards to the mental health act (Del Pena et
al., 2024)

❖ DOH Region 4A Programs: The DOH has the programs to train local officers to
detect and treat mental diseases in the province of Cavite and the other provinces
of CALABARZON.

❖ National Mental Health Programs - The Department of Health (DOH) says there are
362 outlets of access to mental services, with a hotline answered to more than
53,000 calls from the year 2019 to year 2022.

-fea
● Project Objectives

To provide free counseling services to the local community in Brgy. Sabang, City of Dasmariñas
Cavite.

- This proposal aims to facilitate mental health services to the Barangay Sabang residents.

- Support the implementation of Republic Act no. 11036 through the collaboration with its local
government and community of Sabang.

- By promoting Sabang U.S.A.P.T.A.U (Uniting Services & Assistance for Psychological Health
Through Advocacy and Understanding for Brgy. Sabang) we aim to empower individuals to
address underlying emotional and behavioral issues that affect personal growth, helping them to
develop their coping mechanisms.

- To reach out to many of the Barangay Sabang residents and make sure asking for help
becomes easier and more accessible.

-Lianne

- Improve the mental well-being of individuals and the overall local community

- Promote Early Detection and Intervention by empowering the residents and barangay health
workers with the skills of early detection of mental health conditions and refer them to
professional help in a timely manner.

- Strengthen Family Support Systems by carrying out workshops and counseling with families to
enable them to support their relatives with mental health conditions effectively

- Ensure Inclusivity in Services by tailoring mental health programs to meet the needs of
vulnerable populations, such as elderly people, persons with disabilities, and low-income
households.

- Lastly, to change the perspective surrounding mental health issues by conducting awareness
campaigns and seminars for residents, focusing on the importance of mental health and
reducing stigma.

-Janine

● Methodology
Phase 1: (1-2 months) Research and localization
Starting of the project
- Come up with the name of the project proposal “U.S.A.P.T.A.U”

- Collection, analyzation, and health data analysis from Barangay health center

- Determine the locale of the study

-Selecting a Barangay wherein the residents fits the requirements for the project we are
trying to implement

- Choosing approximately 300 4th year students in Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Dasmarinas


to offer free counseling sessions and complete their on-the-job training on the Barangay
residents of Sabang

Phase 2: (3-4 months)


Interview and meetings with Barangay officials

- Conduct interviews in Barangay Officials and local health center workers

- Collaborate with Barangay Officials to draft an ordinance, including the budget


allocations for the mental health services

- Collaboration and establishing partnerships with the local health workers, mental
health professionals, and health institutions

- Training Barangay Officials, local health workers, and 4th year psychology students
accomplishing their on-the-job training

-Reach out to different social media platforms for extra donations that will help increase
the budget needed for the project

-Sam

Phase 3: ( 5-6 months)


Conducting the survey and Pilot implementation

- Operate anonymous surveys and seminars with Barangay Sabang residents

-Feedback collection and testing practices


- Collecting pre- survey and interview data on the residents mental health awareness

-Start planning how the professionals, local health workers, barangay officials and the
4th year psychology students will handle and divide the residents that will be
participating in the counseling sessions

Phase 4: (7-9 months)


Full implementation and monitoring plan

- Provide free consultations and counseling sessions

- Regularly monitoring and collecting feedback from the residents and health workers to
assess program effectiveness

- Submitting results to Barangay Officials and other health organizations summarizing


the outcome of the project

- Maintaining and ensuring long-term mental health services, and considering expanding
the project and influencing other Barangays.

- Publish an annual impact reports to maintain accountability and to attract possible


future donors and collaborators

-Fea

● Budget and Resource

ITEMS COST (PHP) DETAILS

Advertising Materials PHP 15,000.00 Fliers, Banners and


Tarpaulin

Foods PHP 370,000.00 Meals, Snacks and Drinks

Professional fees PHP 800,000.00 Healthcare workers,


Psychiatrists,
Psychologists

Trainings and Seminars PHP 500,000.00 Venue, materials, and


facilitators

TOTAL PHP 1,685,000.00


● Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND IMPACT

- Enhanced skills of Barangay Officials, Healthcare workers, and Mental Health


Professionals

- Aims to have successful seminars, training programs, and counseling services

- Strengthen the community bond by providing a safe and supportive environment for the
residents in Sabang barangay

- Changes and improvements within residents mental health

- Gives the three hundred 4th year psychology students in Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng
Dasmariñas a chance to gain knowledge and use that knowledge to expand their
experiences in the field of counseling.

- An adaptable project for different Barangays and municipalities in the Philippines

-Lianne

SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

This project ensures sustainability through:

- Conduct annual community activities, such as mental health awareness month

- Collaborate partnerships with the Local Government Units (LGU’s) and


Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) to receive more donations

- Integrate the mental health initiative into the barangay’s regular health programs,
ensuring it becomes a permanent service

- Each year, the budget must stabilize and gradually increase. The same phase of
implementation process will be repeated in barangays

-Collaborate with academic institutions and NGOs to offer mentorship, updated


practices, and technical assistance
- Create a train-the-trainer program, allowing experienced community members to train
new volunteers or workers

- Advocate for the inclusion of mental health funding in the barangay's annual budget to
ensure a consistent source of funds

- Develop income-generating initiatives such as community bazaars or events to support


the financial needs of the project

-Janine

References:

● Philippine News Agency. (2023). “Mental health crisis a rising epidemic in PH”
– experts | Philippine News Agency. [Link].
[Link]

● DOH addresses the shortage of psychiatrists in Calabarzon.


[Link]. [Link] Mental Health
Association: Advocacy and Awareness CampaignsPhilippine Mental Health
Association: Advocacy and Awareness CaPhilippine Mental Health Association: A

● Philippine Mental Health Association: Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns


[Link]
QLo9FTkBhBcsoGi_IeoftH_4i8EQuYQVzStQJW-ONua5v2-Xg_aem_FbQMUkighY3
FSf7BfmZipg
National Center for Mental Health: Reports on Stigma and Mental Health Services
● National Center for Mental Health: Reports on Stigma and Mental Health
Services
[Link]
mglMNeybsxBvAiWTIeFW05vY48hqYfUHT6mxMZOrDvz4Q_aem_rT1zVH1sAJOup
bD_bJvqNQ
○
● Journal of Affective Disorders: Barriers to Mental Health Access in Southeast
Asia
[Link]
AjjbEET0bayzaDouRgno692qs49uZY9FfD8ZChL7pGDU-nbZA_aem_Tx8A1AtR6vx
cIIi2WfqDBw

● Mental Health in the Philippines; A Policy Challenge


[Link]

Common questions

Powered by AI

Current mental health services in the Philippines are limited, with only 362 access outlets available and a significant shortage of professionals. The U.S.A.P.T.A.U project offers an enhanced model by proposing regular free counseling sessions, specific training for health workers, and community-specific projects. These initiatives aim to directly address the shortcomings of existing services by being localized, more accessible, and adaptable to the needs of Sabang’s residents .

The U.S.A.P.T.A.U project proposes to enhance mental health services by providing free counseling sessions, promoting awareness, and empowering residents and barangay health workers with early detection skills. For sustainability, the project plans include annual community activities, partnerships with local bodies and NGOs for funding, integration into regular health programs, and financial initiatives such as community bazaars .

The U.S.A.P.T.A.U project plans to combat stigma through awareness campaigns and seminars, focusing on mental health importance, and conducting workshops that include family counseling. These strategies are designed to educate residents about mental health, debunk myths, and encourage openness and acceptance .

Early detection and intervention are pivotal in improving mental health outcomes by catching issues before they escalate. The U.S.A.P.T.A.U project aims to equip residents and health workers with skills to identify mental health conditions early, ensuring timely referral to professional help. This can lead to better management of mental health conditions, reducing long-term impacts and improving quality of life .

Current mental health initiatives in the Philippines have seen limited effectiveness due to significant infrastructure and resource challenges, including a shortage of licensed psychiatrists and limited accessibility of services. While initiatives such as the increased training for local health officers and the establishment of access outlets are steps in the right direction, there remains a substantial need for increased funding, facilities, and public awareness programs to effectively handle the mental health crisis .

The mental health crisis in the Philippines is largely attributed to the lack of facilities, insufficient number of professionals, inadequate budget, and persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues. Despite the enactment of the Philippine Mental Health Act in 2018, many Filipinos are still hesitant to seek help due to these systemic and cultural barriers .

The Philippine Mental Health Act of 2018 provides a comprehensive framework intended to ensure access to mental health services, promote mental health, and protect the rights of those suffering from mental disorders. Key components include integrating mental health services into the national healthcare system and promoting mental health education to reduce stigma. The Act also emphasizes creating accessible, affordable, and effective mental health services across the country .

Social media can significantly support mental health initiatives by enhancing public awareness campaigns, facilitating communication between mental health advocates and the public, and providing accessible platforms for mental health education. It can also help in fundraising and forming communities of support, which are crucial for reducing stigma and providing collective emotional support .

The Department of Health faces challenges in regions like CALABARZON due to a shortage of mental health professionals, limited training for local officers, and insufficient local health centers to accommodate the needs. Despite efforts to train local officers and provide hotline services, the infrastructure still falls short in supporting the diverse needs of the population effectively .

The mental health crisis has profound socioeconomic implications, affecting not just individuals but entire families and communities. It results in productivity losses, increased healthcare costs, and can exacerbate poverty levels. Families often face a financial burden due to healthcare expenses, and communities suffer due to reduced workforce capacity and increased social services demand .

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