Debunking Mental Health Stigmas in the Philippines

3.6 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health 2020 survey, experienced mental illness during the pandemic. Those days when families were separated, loved ones lost, and had no idea where to get money. Although depression is a serious health condition, many Filipinos reject and hesitate to get treatment. They’re hindered by stigmas that roam in our society because some may think of them as abnormal or nonfunctional.

Focusing on your mental well-being is on par with your physical health. In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the most common mental health stigmas in the Philippines. 

Why Promoting Mental Health is Vital for The Current Generation 

In a study by AXA, compared to the rest of the Gen Z globally, more Filipinos experienced depression. They’re the closest generation to social media and are likely to experience negative feelings. It’s so overwhelming for them to navigate the world online and offline that there is no barrier to it. 

Gen Z watches stories of people’s lives online that become terrified of the uncertainty of their future and whether they have the skills to survive the real world. They live under constant pressure and anxiety without knowing who they can trust to guide them. Promoting mental support will help them discover ways to handle stress and make healthier choices.

Common Mental Health Stigmas in the Philippines

Filipinos are taught to present themselves respectably, so showing any type of vulnerability would not be approved by the public. There is a fear of bringing shame and negative judgment that will affect their reputation at work and their families. Here are the common mental health stigmas in the Philippines that hinder them from getting mental support.

Mental Health Disorder is a Weakness

30.3% of Filipinos believe getting treatment is a weakness. Filipinos are not used to asking for help with their mental state. Society will see you as weak if you cannot help yourself and become emotional. Seeking mental health doesn’t mean you’re weak; it’s a strength. Admitting that you’re struggling and seeking necessary help is the ultimate bravery. Reaching out takes a lot of strength and willpower. 

Mental Support is for People with Severe Problems

Studies also show that around 31% of Filipinos are afraid of people calling them “crazy”. It’s because of the stigma they remain undiagnosed. Mental support isn’t just for people with severe conditions; it can benefit anyone. Everyone experiences anxiety and stress, but that doesn’t mean you’re crazy. Seeking mental support is understanding yourself better and what’s holding you back.

Filipinos are Proud of their Ability to Endure

Filipinos are known globally for smiling during hardships, but that’s a coping mechanism that isn’t healthy. They want to be self-reliant because they don’t want to bother anyone else, so they endure it. Getting mental support doesn’t mean you give up, but it’s because you want to improve.

People with a Support System Don’t Need Therapy

It’s in our core to be family-oriented, but there is a pressure not to receive judgment from your family. There will be days that your support system’s opinion can overwhelm you. Therapy doesn’t mean that you don’t need them, but it’s for you to discover how to be a better person and make decisions you won’t regret.

Break the Stigma

Seeking mental health support doesn’t define you. Focusing on your mental health is about getting better and positively changing your life. Break the stigma by not seeing a person for their condition. Create a culture where a conversation of understanding, not shame, that will end the stigma.