In the Philippines, National Mental Health Week is honored annually on the second week of October in accordance with Proclamation No. 452 which was signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos, whilst World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10.
Despite its high ideals to promote awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize activities in favor of mental health, does it genuinely create a change in dispelling the stigma and internalized shame pervasive in the country toward mental illness?
One of the prevailing ideas is that mental diseases are shameful and that conditions like anxiety and depression do not exist.
Due to the stigma, the government and public sectors in the Philippines have paid very little attention to mental health. Only 5% of healthcare expenses goes toward mental health, irrespective of the fact that the nation recently established its first Mental Health Act, or Republic Act No. 11036.
Additionally, according to the Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems from the Department of Health and the World Health Organization, published in 2007, the Philippine government does not sufficiently provide financial support to organizations that have been involved in the creation and implementation of mental health policies and legislation.
The rising incidence of mental health problems has a significant effect on human, social, and economic capital, yet the Philippine Mental Health Act has so far been little more than “simply an act.” Before reaping the advantages of governmental reforms—which are also byproducts of social norms themselves—gradual change should start with norms deeply embedded in society.
