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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 in 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 non-governmental 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.

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.

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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.

To further discuss mental illnesses, you are

tasked to watch this video titled, Mental Illness
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment by
Merck Manuals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-
squqwaTuxo&t=2s

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.

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
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 with the goal of strengthening and promoting mental health.
WHO has evaluated the evidence for promoting mental health and is working with

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governments to disseminate this information and 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 of persons with mental disorders. It focuses on 4 key objectives:
• 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 of 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 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

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 been 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.

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 Both positive and negative emotions are meant to be tools that 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 the struggle with issues
such as frustration, stress, lack of self-confidence, fear, feelings of inadequacy and inferiority,
and 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 to
response to your will. When we focus on positive thoughts, it brings in healthy emotional
responses. 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
from the culture you grew up in. The weather won’t always suit you. Neighbors 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).

To further discuss self-awareness, you are tasked to watch these videos titled:
Self-Awareness by Talent Sprout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIhEMk7CZ-A

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 ASSESSMENTS

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

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

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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3. With all the lessons you have learned from these 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
.

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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