While older generations unequivocally dismissed psychological struggles as mere excuses, a shifting paradigm was observed today. It was revealed by recent surveys that more Filipino adults now recognize the reality of these conditions. However, the Department of Health (DOH) faces a monumental task, as the public struggles to cope up with the rising tide of emotional distress. If comprehensive interventions are not deployed by the department, the lack of practical knowledges could result to worsening conditions for vulnerable populations.
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The latest AXA Mind Health Study, spearheaded by AXA Philippines, indicates that the country ranks among the highest globally in awareness, with sixty-five percent of Filipinos stating they understand the issue. Despite this, observations were made that only a third of those surveyed actually know what to do when faced with such challenges. Paula Ferrer Cheng, head of research and development at Mind You, stated that education must go hand-in-hand with awareness efforts, e.g., community seminars, to ensure early warning signs do not escalate. This disconnect between awareness and action is not merely a 1.0cm gap in understanding but a critical societal void that poses real economic and emotional risks.
Steps are being taken by the private sector to bridge this divide. AXA Philippines recently announced that a Mind Health Self-Check tool would be launched to give individuals an accessible overview of their mental state. Unless users understand their emotional, social and psychological wellbeing, they cannot manage their mental state properly. The digital tool comprehensively evaluates the current state of mind, skills and beliefs and lifestyle of the user.
Scores are developed using a proprietary methodology and categorize users into four levels: flourishing for scores sixty-eight and above, getting by for scores fifty-seven to sixty-eight, languishing for scores forty-three to fifty-seven and struggling for scores below forty-three. In a separate study among fifteen thousand two hundred six employees, it was noted that help-seeking behavior is largely driven by emotional distress rather than clinical diagnosis, with twenty-eight percent seeking help simply because they needed someone to talk to. Because of this, company clinics operating Monday to Friday must provide these essential informations and safe spaces to their workers.
Chief Executive Officer Ayman Kandil stressed that when people fail to cope up with mental health challenges, they delay getting support. Filipinos who are provided with proper advices are better equipped to take action, ultimately improving both their personal wellbeing and their livelihoods.
