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Module 2
MENTAL HEALTH AND SELF AWARENESS

Overview:

Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health
concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress
and affect your ability to function. A mental illness can make you miserable and can cause
problems in your daily life, such as at school or work or in relationships.

Fortunately, mental health concerns are now a global health issue. Unlike the old days,
countless researches, discussions, and movements have been initiated and developed
placing this into the spotlight.

In this lesson, we will find out how to define mental health, what are the different mental
health illnesses and their treatments, and why is it important to consider self-awareness.

Objectives:

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

• define mental health;
• identify the different types of mental illnesses;
• explain the importance of self-awareness;
• classify the treatments and strategies to cope with mental illnesses.

Course Materials:

Unit 1: Mental Health Defined

What is mental health?

Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It is all about
how people think, feel, and behave. People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean
the absence of a mental disorder. Mental health can affect daily living, relationships, and
physical health.

However, this link also works in the other direction. Factors in people’s lives,
interpersonal connections, and physical factors can all contribute to mental health disruptions.
Looking after mental health can preserve a person’s ability to enjoy life. Doing this involves
reaching a balance between life activities, responsibilities, and efforts to achieve
psychological resilience.

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 Conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety can all affect mental health and
disrupt a person’s routine. Although the term mental health is in common use, many conditions
that doctors recognize as psychological disorders have physical roots. In this article, we
explain what people mean by mental health and mental illness. We also describe the most
common types of mental disorders, including their early signs and how to treat them.

Determinants of Mental Health

Multiple social, psychological, and biological factors determine the level of mental
health of a person at any point of time. For example, violence and persistent socio-economic
pressures are recognized risks to mental health. The clearest evidence is associated with
sexual violence.
Poor mental health is also associated with rapid social change, stressful work conditions,
gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyle, physical ill-health and human
rights violations. There are specific psychological and personality factors that make people
vulnerable to mental health problems. Biological risks include genetic factors.

Key Facts about Mental Health

• Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders.

• Mental health is an integral part of health; indeed, there is no health without mental
health.
• Mental health is determined by a range of socioeconomic, biological and
environmental factors.
• Cost-effective public health and intersectoral strategies and interventions exist to
promote, protect and restore mental health.

Mental health promotion and protection

Mental health promotion involves actions that improve psychological well-being. This
may involve creating an environment that supports mental health. An environment that
respects and protects basic civil, political, socio-economic and cultural rights is fundamental
to mental health. Without the security and freedom provided by these rights, it is difficult to
maintain a high level of mental health. National mental health policies should be concerned
both with mental disorders and, with broader issues that promote mental health. Mental health
promotion should be mainstreamed into governmental and nongovernmental policies and
programs. In addition to the health sector, it is essential to involve the education, labor, justice,
transport, environment, housing, and welfare sectors.

Specific ways to promote mental health include:

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• early childhood interventions (e.g. providing a stable environment that is sensitive to
children’s health and nutritional needs, with protection from threats, opportunities for
early learning, and interactions that are responsive, emotionally supportive and
developmentally stimulating);

• support to children (e.g. life skills programs, child and youth development programs);

• socio-economic empowerment of women (e.g. improving access to education and

microcredit schemes);

• social support for elderly populations (e.g. befriending initiatives, community and day
centres for the aged);

• programs targeted at vulnerable people, including minorities, indigenous people,

migrants and people affected by conflicts and disasters (e.g. psycho-social
interventions after disasters);
• mental health promotional activities in schools (e.g. programs involving supportive
ecological changes in schools);

• mental health interventions at work (e.g. stress prevention programs);

• housing policies (e.g. housing improvement);

• violence prevention programs (e.g. reducing availability of alcohol and access to

arms);

• community development programs (e.g. integrated rural development);

• poverty reduction and social protection for the poor;

• anti-discrimination laws and campaigns;

• promotion of the rights, opportunities and care of individuals with mental disorders.

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Unit 2: Risk Factors for Mental Health Conditions

Everyone has some risk of developing a mental health disorder, no matter their age,
sex, income, or ethnicity. Social and financial circumstances, biological factors, and lifestyle
choices can all shape a person’s mental health. A large proportion of people with a mental
health disorder have more than one condition at a time. It is important to note that good mental
health depends on a delicate balance of factors and that several elements of life and the world
at large can work together to contribute to disorders.

The following factors may contribute to mental health disruptions:

Continuous social and economic pressure

Having limited financial means or belonging to a marginalized or persecuted ethnic

group can increase the risk of mental health disorders.

Modifiable factors for mental health disorders include:

• Socioeconomic Conditions, Such Whether Work Is Available In The Local Area
• Occupation
• A Person’s Level of Social Involvement
• Education
• Housing Quality

Nonmodifiable factors include:

• Gender
• Age
• Ethnicity

Biological factors

Researchers suggest that genetic family history can increase the likelihood of mental
health conditions, as certain genes and gene variants put a person at higher risk. However,
many other factors contribute to the development of these disorders. Having a gene with links
to a mental health disorder, such as depression or schizophrenia, does not guarantee that a
condition will develop. Likewise, people without related genes or a family history of mental
illness can still have mental health issues.

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Unit 3: Mental Illnesses and Treatments

Mental health conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety may develop due to
underlying, life-changing physical health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic
pain.

The most common types of mental illness are as follows:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Schizophrenia Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders

are the most common type of mental illness. People with these conditions have severe fear
or anxiety, which relates to certain objects or situations. Most people with an anxiety disorder
will try to avoid exposure to whatever triggers their anxiety.

Examples of anxiety disorders include:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) define GAD as disproportionate
worry that disrupts everyday living. People might also experience physical
symptoms, including restlessness, fatigue, tense muscles, and interrupted
sleep.

A bout of anxiety symptoms does not necessarily need a specific trigger in

people with GAD. They may experience excessive anxiety on encountering
everyday situations that do not present a direct danger, such as chores or
keeping appointments. A person with GAD may sometimes feel anxiety with
no trigger at all.

2. Panic disorders
People with a panic disorder experience regular panic attacks, which involve
sudden, overwhelming terror or a sense of imminent disaster and death.

3. Phobias

There are different types of phobia:

a. Simple phobias: These might involve a disproportionate fear of
specific objects, scenarios, or animals. A fear of spiders is a common
example.

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 b. Social phobia: Sometimes known as social anxiety, this is a fear of
being subject to the judgment of others. People with social phobia often
restrict their exposure to social environments.

c. Agoraphobia: This term refers to a fear of situations in which getting

away may be difficult, such as being in an elevator or moving train.
Many people misunderstand this phobia as a fear of being outside.

Other phobias:

Ablutophobia is a persistent and irrational fear of bathing, washing, or cleansing. It is

more common in women and children, especially with people who are extremely
emotional.

Barophobia -an intense and persistent fear of gravity. People suffering from the
phobia may experience anxiety or restlessness when they come across situations
involving escalators, fun rides, free fall, lifts, etc.

Cherophobia is an unusual rare fear of merriment, happiness or gaiety.

Venustraphobia is a rare but persistent fear of beautiful women.

Geniophobia is an irrational and unusual fear of chins.

Phobias are deeply personal, and doctors do not know every type. There could be
thousands of phobias, and what might seem unusual to one person may be a severe problem
that dominates daily life for another.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

People with OCD have obsessions and compulsions. In other words, they
experience constant, stressful thoughts and a powerful urge to perform repetitive acts, such
as hand washing.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a deeply stressful or
traumatic event. During this type of event, the person thinks that their life or other people’s
lives are in danger. They may feel afraid or that they have no control over what is
happening.
These sensations of trauma and fear may then contribute to PTSD.

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Mood disorders

People may also refer to mood disorders as affective disorders or depressive

disorders.
People with these conditions have significant changes in mood, generally involving either
mania, which is a period of high energy and elation, or depression. Examples of mood
disorders include:

a. Major depression: An individual with major depression experiences a constant

low mood and loses interest in activities and events that they previously enjoyed. They
can feel prolonged periods of sadness or extreme sadness.

b. Bipolar disorder: A person with bipolar disorder experiences unusual changes in

their mood, energy levels, levels of activity, and ability to continue with daily life.
Periods of high mood are known as manic phases, while depressive phases bring on
low mood.

c. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Reduced daylight triggers during the fall,
winter, and early spring months trigger this type of major depression. It is most
common in countries far from the equator.

Schizophrenia disorders

Mental health authorities are still trying to determine whether schizophrenia is a single
disorder or a group of related illnesses. It is a highly complex condition. Signs of schizophrenia
typically develop between the ages of 16 and 30 years, according to the NIMH. The individual
will have thoughts that appear fragmented, and they may also find it hard to process
information.

Schizophrenia has negative and positive symptoms. Positive symptoms include

delusions, thought disorders, and hallucinations. Negative symptoms include withdrawal, lack
of motivation, and a flat or inappropriate mood.

Early signs

There is no physical test or scan that reliably indicates whether a person has developed
a mental illness. However, people should look out for the following as possible signs of a
mental health disorder:
• Withdrawing from Friends, Family, And Colleagues
• Avoiding Activities That They Would Normally Enjoy
• Sleeping Too Much or Too Little
• Eating Too Much or Too Little
• Feeling Hopeless

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 • Having Consistently Low Energy
• Using Mood-Altering Substances, Including Alcohol and Nicotine, More Frequently
• Displaying Negative Emotions
• Being Confused
• Being Unable to Complete Daily Tasks, Such as Getting to Work or Cooking A Meal
• Having Persistent Thoughts or Memories That Reappear Regularly
• Thinking of Causing Physical Harm to Themselves Or Others
• Hearing Voices
• Experiencing Delusions

Treatment

There are various methods for managing mental health problems. Treatment is
highly individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some strategies
or treatments are more successful in combination with others. A person living with a chronic
mental disorder may choose different options at various stages in their life. The individual
needs to work closely with a doctor who can help them identify their needs and provide them
with suitable treatment.

Treatments can include:

A. Psychotherapy, or talking therapies

This type of treatment takes a psychological approach to treating mental

illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy are
examples. Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and some primary care physicians
carry out this type of treatment. It can help people understand the root of their mental illness
and start to work on more healthful thought patterns that support everyday living and reduce
the risk of isolation and self-harm.

B. Medication

Some people take prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics,

and anxiolytic drugs. Although these cannot cure mental disorders, some medications can
improve symptoms and help a person resume social interaction and a normal routine while
they work on their mental health. Some of these medications work by boosting the body’s
absorption of feel-good chemicals, such as serotonin, from the brain. Other drugs either boost
the overall levels of these chemicals or prevent their degradation or destruction.

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C. Self-help

A person coping with mental health difficulties will usually need to make changes to
their lifestyle to facilitate wellness. Such changes might include reducing alcohol intake,
sleeping more, and eating a balanced, nutritious diet. People may need to take time away
from work or resolve issues with personal relationships that may be causing damage to their
mental health.

People with conditions such as an anxiety or depressive disorder may benefit from
relaxation techniques, which include deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. Having a
support network, whether via self-help groups or close friends and family, can also be
essential to recovery from mental illness.

Mental health is an integral and essential component of health. The WHO constitution
states: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity." An important implication of this definition is that mental
health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities.

Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own
abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make
a contribution to his or her community. Mental health is fundamental to our collective and
individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living and enjoy
life. On this basis, the promotion, protection and restoration of mental health can be regarded
as a vital concern of individuals, communities and societies throughout the world.

Unit 4: World Health Organization and Response

The Burden of Mental Disorders in the Philippines

There is little epidemiological evidence on mental disorders in the Philippines;

however, some important data are available. For example, 14% of a population of 1.4 million
Filipinos with disabilities were identified to have a mental disorder (Philippines Statistics
Authority, 2010). The National Statistics Office identified that mental illness is the third most
prevalent form of morbidity, however the finding that only 88 cases of mental health problems
were reported for every 100 000 of the population (DOH, 2005) is likely an underestimate of
the true extent of these issues.

The 2005 WHO World Health Survey in the Philippines identified that, of 10 075
participants, 0.4% had a diagnosis of schizophrenia and 14.5% had a diagnosis of depression.
Of those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, 33.2% had received treatment or screening in the
past 2 weeks, compared with 14% of those with a diagnosis of depression. Recent data from
the Philippine Health Information System on Mental Health identified that (from 14 public and

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private hospitals surveyed from 2014 to 2016) 42% of the 2562 surveyed patients were treated
for schizophrenia.

Between 1984 and 2005, estimates for the incidence of suicide in the Philippines have
increased from 0.23 to 3.59 per 100 000 in males, and from 0.12 to 1.09 per 100 000 in
females (Redaniel et al, 2011). The most recent data from 2016 identified an overall suicide
rate of 3.2/100 000, with a higher rate in males (4.3/100 000) than females (2.0/100 000)
(WHO, 2018).
WHO supports governments in the goal of strengthening and promoting mental health. WHO
has evaluated evidence for promoting mental health and is working with governments to
disseminate this information and to integrate effective strategies into policies and plans.

In 2013, the World Health Assembly approved a "Comprehensive Mental Health Action
Plan for 2013-2020". The Plan is a commitment by all WHO’s Member States to take specific
actions to improve mental health and to contribute to the attainment of a set of global targets.

The Action Plan’s overall goal is to promote mental well-being, prevent mental
disorders, provide care, enhance recovery, promote human rights and reduce the mortality,
morbidity and disability for persons with mental disorders. It focuses on 4 key objectives to:
• strengthen effective leadership and governance for mental health;
• provide comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health and social care
services in community-based settings;
• implement strategies for promotion and prevention in mental health; and
• strengthen information systems, evidence and research for mental health.

Particular emphasis is given in the Action Plan to the protection and promotion of
human rights, the strengthening and empowering of civil society and to the central place of
community-based care.

In order to achieve its objectives, the Action Plan proposes and requires clear actions
for governments, international partners and for WHO. Ministries of Health will need to take a
leadership role, and WHO will work with them and with international and national partners,
including civil society, to implement the plan. As there is no action that fits all countries, each
government will need to adapt the Action Plan to its specific national circumstances.

Unit 5: Self-Awareness

The Teenage Years

Though difficulties and struggles are vital parts of every person’s life – teenage years
could very well be one of the most challenging phases of a person’s life. It is in this period
when one feels the strongest tug in his being to develop a sense of identity.

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 Noted adolescent cognitive development expert Erik Erikson says that the main task
of development is to form a sense of personal identity. In his so-called “psychological
moratorium” or what he calls as the gap between childhood security and adult autonomy,
Erikson explained that it is in this period that a young person starts to clamor for independence
especially if he/she has suffered the pain of being compared to another family member or a
peer who seems to be “a better individual” by other people’s standards

His/her hairstyle, the way he/she dresses, his/her habits, as long as it’s going to be
different from the person he/she is always being compared to, are subtle steps for him/her in
carving a niche for himself/herself. Sadly, even if the choices that he/she makes would take
him/her down the dangerous path, he/she would gladly tread it if it means getting out of the
shadow of the person he/she is being compared to.

Quest for Identity

Issues which are recurrent to the youth of different generations are about family
affirmation, physical appearance, criticisms, and failure are among the major issues that haunt
an individual. These issues will balloon into major ones should they go unchecked thus,
contributing to one’s dilemma of answering who he/she really is.

Internal identity dictates external lifestyle, just as nature dictates action. A bird flies
because it is a bird. Your identity dictates how you lead your life. Unfortunately, many people
live their lives not knowing who they really are. They have assumed an identity that was
“dictated” to them by their circumstance, people around them, or their culture.

Xavier Babista, one of the Campus Life Coaches of ENCM Philippines, stated in his lecture
with Life Classes on November 2010 the following Pitfalls of Not Knowing Your identity.

You won't know why you live. Not knowing your identity means not knowing your gift
area. You won’t know what to share to your family, your community, the nation and the world
as a whole. When you are operating outside your make-up and your purpose, you are more
prone to fatigue, you will be striving. For example, a chair was meant to be sat on. We might
be able to use the chair for other purposes- stack books on, serve as some sort of a ladder to
get something from a place you couldn’t reach, or use it to break someone’s back – but the
fact still remains that it functions best when it is sat on.

In the same way, a person whose passion is into arts but was forced to take over a
family business will struggle to find joy in the business world. You won’t know your worth, If
you don’t know who you really are, you’ll never realize just how special you are. You will never
realize that there are many things in this life that you are qualified to do. Not knowing your
value will directly affect how you treat and value yourself and eventually how you treat and
value others.

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 You reduce your identity to the sum or your upbringing and your environment. Studies
propose that identity is constructed by the factors surrounding a person growing up. Though
the people around you and the circumstances you’ve encountered, you form a set of beliefs
through which you define yourself, which then forms your self-concept or who you say you
are. Take the case of Mike Tyson—the youngest heavyweight champion at the age of 20 in
1986. Mike Tyson earned $140 million at the height of his career, got hooked in drugs and
alcohol, sexual immorality and failed marriages along the way; has nothing but this to say
today, “I don't know who lam. That might sound stupid. I really have no idea. All my life I’ve
been drinking and drugging and partying, and all of a sudden this comes to a stop.”

Even his therapist, Marilyn Murray, stated that Tyson exhibits a pattern typical of
people who were traumatized at an early age by circumstance and environment. Hailing from
the Brooklyn slums, he grew up watching his alcoholic mother being beaten up by multiple
boyfriends, and was in a juvenile detention center by age 12. Because he grew up in a
destructive and dysfunctional environment, he also has been leading a destructive and
dysfunctional lifestyle.

Although the influence of our upbringing and environment is very real and not
negligible, there is much more to our identity than that. Since we live in a flawed world, with
flawed people, basing our identity on that gives us a flawed self-concept. Hence, it is important
that you are confident on who you are. This starts with a deeper understanding of your
emotions so that you would be able to manage them well, resulting in a healthy response to
your circumstances.

Understanding Your Emotions

Emotions are often misconstrued. We have grown up in a society where “survival of

the fittest” is required, thus, showing emotions is often considered weakness. This module will
not nullify this point of view, but we should also give proper acknowledgment to human
emotions for they are important. Emotion, addressed in a healthy way, is a great ally especially
in dealing with our fellow human beings. Fear keeps us from walking in the middle of a busy
street thus, we avoid getting hit by vehicles. Anger against injustice motivates loaders like
Benigno “Ninoy Aquino Jr. to fight for social reform. Grief might have even be the driving force
why his widow, Former President Corazon C. Aquino ran for public office after Ninoy’s
assassination, won, and went on to become a valiant champion of democracy.

Both positive and negative emotions are meant to be tools which will help us navigate
life. But oftentimes, the problem lies in the way we handle them. We must always remember
that anything taken excessively is not good. Even positive emotions can have disastrous
results when taken in the wrong context. Love can border on obsession; too much happiness
can affect our being watchful.

The human mind and the human heart are battlefields where struggle with issues such
as frustration, stress, lack of self-confidence, fear, feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, and

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the inability to cope with circumstances we do not like are fought. Yet we need not be defeated
by these issues. Again, emotions, when properly managed, may serve as catalysts that will
bring out the best in every person.

Our minds are greatly conditioned by our culture, belief system, and the values of the
family we grew up in. According to bestselling author and acclaimed psychologist Harold
Sala, in the struggle between will and emotions, emotion wins out only when you disregard
the power of your own will, because your emotions are controlled by and are subject
response to your will. When we focus on positive thoughts, it brings in healthy emotional
response. When you choose to let emotions control your behavior, you will have, as an act
of your will, decided to bypass your intellect and often your knowledge of right and wrong.
Either your thinking will control your emotions, or your emotions will control your thinking.

You will never be able to fully control your environment, and you cannot break away
with the culture you grew up in. The weather wont always suit you. Neighbor may not please
you. But you will along be in the position to choose your emotional response to your
environment and this knowledge is liberating (Sala 64).

Negative Emotions and Proper Responses

In his book, Making Your Emotions Work for You, Dr. Sala listed tips in handling some of the
negative emotions (109).

Anger. Anger often stems from stress, frustration, personal affronts, violation of rights or
simply seeing situations that counter one’s value system.

Proper Response:
1. Avoid stressful situations as much as you can. If you easily get irritated by a heavy
traffic and you hate being late, try to leave the house earlier. You can also come up
with creative ways to distract yourself from the heavy traffic. One girl who’s really fond
of the game Word Factory whiles her time away during a heavy traffic forming words
out of the combined letters in the vehicle plate numbers that she sees.
2. Put the circumstances in check. When people and circumstances start to get to you,
take time out to ask yourself, “will my losing temper over this situation be worth it? If
the answer is no, then don’t do it. Divert your emotions so that anger will not breed in
your heart.
3. Be angry for the right cause. Feeling anger when we see injustice happening is a
normal reaction but we have to choose the right method in seeking justice. If it needs
the intervention of the law then leave it in the hands of the authorities but support those
who have been victimized by the injustice.
4. Be angry for the right duration of time. This is one of the most difficult steps to
undertake but there is truth in the saying do not let the sun go down on your anger lest
it becomes a foothold of the devil. Unforgiveness that has been carried for too long in
the heart builds walls even between family members and friends. We should make the
decision to forgive even before the feeling to forgive comes along.

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 5. Be angry on the right way. We should direct the anger to the problem, not the person.
Misplaced anger is often the cause of domestic violence. Just check out the news in
the local television. Every day, cases of men hitting their wives/children are featured.
The men involved are oftentimes angry with other things or people and they just vent
it out on their families who are considered under his authority.
6. Pray.

Worry.
Worry is the result of anxiety blown out of proportion. Results of a research on the adverse
effects of worry showed that worry is unrealistic. The panel of psychologists concluded that
40 percent of the things people worry about never happens, 30 percent are about past events
which cannot be changed, 12 percent are needless health concerns, 10 percent involve trifling
things of absolutely no consequence. Only 8% are valid areas of concern (Sala, 129)
According Dr. Paul Carlson, there is no scientific evidence that worry is part of everyone’s
nature however, some individuals are more prone to worry than others by virtue of their
emotional and psychological make-up which was shaped by various circumstances in their
families and the environment they grew up in (Sala, 131)

Proper response:
1. Know the difference between concern and worry. The former prompts are to act on a
situation whereas worry paralyzes.

2. Accept that there are some things that we cannot change despite our best efforts.

Fear. No one is exempted from fear. Some types of phobia could range from the funny to the
bizarre as listed in the first pages of this modules.

Funny as it may seem to others, the people experiencing fear wouldn’t find anything to smile
about when it comes to the thing or situation which makes him/ her afraid. We’re all afraid-just
for varying reasons.
However, fear could sometimes be helpful. It’s what holds us back when we are about to do
something bad. It drives us to exercise caution when dealing with decisions concerning our
health, family, career or whatever things we cherish or treasure.

Proper Response:
1. Admit that you’re afraid. Fear takes on gigantic proportions when hidden. It paralyzes
action. Take it out in the open with someone who can help you face your fear. Assess
its strength. One girl was told by two of her friends that they dreamt about her. One
friend dreamt that she was being chased and was consequently raped by a group of
men on her way home from school. The other friend dreamt that she was in a coffin.
The girl and her mother were so overcome with fear that they practically altered the

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 way they live their lives. They rearranged the furniture in their house to block every
entrance at night and the girl took another route to school even if it means a longer
travel time not to mention an exhausting one for her. It was only when the girl had a
talk with a teacher who got concerned about her hollowed eyes that she learned that
her fear is unfounded.

2. Confront your fear. The aforementioned girl went back to her usual routine. Though
still feeling afraid, she faced her fears head but took little precautionary measures like
not going home late and always going home with a group.

3. Act on your fear. If the feeling of fear has a valid cause, take time out to know what
steps could be done to help alleviate the fear. One woman has a history of breast
cancer in her family. One day, she felt a large lump in her right breast. At first, she was
so overcome with thoughts of dying of the disease but eventually she decided to act
on her fear and had herself checked up. She was diagnosed with the same disease
that brought many members of her family to their demise. But she made a resolve to
face her fear and bravely underwent the necessary treatment. With the support of her
husband and the medical team of the hospital, she is now cancer-free and was even
able to breast-feed the baby born to her after her battle with the disease.

For a country aiming to make it big, it is necessary that its future leaders gain a sound
understanding of who they are. Imagining the Nation being inhabited by young men and omen
who have concrete ideas of who they are and what they can be, can give every Filipino hope
for a brighter tomorrow.

ASSESSMENTS

1. What is mental health? Why does it matter to advocate and address mental health
issues?

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2. Ask someone to share a story, experience, or circumstance in his/ her life. It can be about
his/her family, studies, friends, or self. Afterwards, answer the following questions.

a. How do you feel about the story you just heard? What was your first reaction? How
about as the story unfolded?
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b. What were your thoughts regarding the signs and symptoms of this mental health
issue? Have you experienced any of these yourself or in someone you know?
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c. How would you react if you noticed these in someone you care about?
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d. How might taking action benefit you and the person you care about?
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e. What actions could you take to help someone who is exhibiting these signs and
symptoms?

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______________________________________________________________________
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f. What do you believe is important for anyone to be aware of if they know someone with
this mental health issue?
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______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

g. What experiences have you had that are related to this story? What was similar?
What differed?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

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3. With all the lessons you have learned from this modules and stories you have heard from
your interview, enumerate the methods and strategies that you have to prioritize in keeping
your mental health well and stable.

Mental
Health
.

19
 REFERENCES

Teves, L. et. al. CWTS Module, PUP Sta. Mesa.

Bucao, A. et. al. Modules in National Service Training Program, PUP Sta. Mesa.

Holthaus, J (2020). Importance of Mental Health Awareness. Retrieved from:

https://www.pinerest.org/mental-health-awareness-blog/

Lally, J; Tully, J; & Samaniego, R. (2019). Mental Health Services in the Philippines.
BJPsych International. Retieved from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6646843/

What is Mental Health (2020). Medical News Today. Retrieved from:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154543#treatment

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