Mental Health

Did you know? I am so happy and grateful because I am able to stand here in front
of you today and not shake so hard, burst into tears, or even get scared so much
that I have to run out of the room. I'm so happy that I do not hallucinate and see
things that are not seen by the public. Mental Disorders. A subject and disease that
is usually treated as a joke, is romanticised by authors and producers and is used as
a general expression of feelings by the public or rather teens. The stigma around
mental health is just one of the many factors that hinders the progress for the
Philippines to address this worsening issue.

The World Health Organization predicted that by 2030, mental disorders will account
to 13% of the total global burden of diseases. Each year these rates just keep on
increasing and don’t you wonder why? According to Cely D. Magpantay, a practicing
clinical psychologist, in her interview last September 5, 2019, the main problem of
our country is stigma. She stated that similar stereotypes are still present in our
nation today. that despite the fact that these platforms and programs are in place,
there are still individuals who will criticize you, look at you with disgust, and act as if
you are not worthy of their attention.

Now, look at your seatmate. Analyze each other. Do you think she is putting up a
front just to feel normal like what most people with mental disorders do? And why
must they do that, you ask. Because they don't feel accepted. They feel isolated.
They believe that having these disorders sets them apart from others because, when
they reach out or speak to someone to feel better, we frequently say and I quote
"That's just a phase" or "Stop overreacting," which is cruel at its finest. People don't
generally take it as seriously as they do when they learn that someone has cancer.

Everyone matters. Everything counts. Our mental health is just as important as our
physical health. We people should be more open to this kind of views. We shouldn't
always assume that everyone is happy and fine. We should always be careful with
our words and we should always be sensitive. Let me finish by quoting Jessal
Fernandes, who said “The loneliest people are the kindest. The saddest people
smile the brightest. The most damaged people are the wisest. All because they don't
wish to see anyone else suffer the way they did.” Thank you for listening. (*bow*)