Mental health and the services surrounding it have emerged as critical issues in contemporary society. In the Philippines, the Philippine Mental Health Law or Republic Act No. 11036 was enacted in 2018 with the purpose of enhancing the delivery of mental health services to Filipinos. Mental health is also integrated in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); a testament to the necessity of having a sensible mental health structure in the country.

But why? Is mental health really that significant?

Many arguments against the significance of mental health have been made. “Dati naman walang ganyan,” (“That didn’t even exist back in the day.”) is a common comment from people when it comes to mental health issues, especially those from the older generations. In the late 2010s, a prominent host of a popular noontime show even stated during a live broadcast, “Gawa-gawa lang nila ‘yun; pabayaan niyo,” (“They just made it all up; ignore them.”) in response to a guest discussing a family member’s struggle with depression.

These comments are made in ignorance; a lack of awareness. Fortunately, they can easily be fact-checked now that information is at our fingertips. A simple query on a search engine will show you the following:

1. Cases of mental disorders have been recorded since 6500 BCE, only that they were not called ‘mental disorders.’ Because supernatural theories prevailed in ancient times, people instead attributed mental and emotional dysfunctions to possession by evil or demonic spirits, displeasure of gods, eclipses, planetary gravitation, curses, and sin.
2. According to the World Health Organization, over 970 million people globally are living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common.

The amount of misinformation and lack of awareness may sound bleak, but it is only the tip of the iceberg. One of the other reasons why mental health should be given more significance is that there is a huge number of individuals with undiagnosed, untreated, and ‘hidden’ mental health problems—and they are all at risk of more dangerous conditions.

What contributes most to these mental health problems being hidden is the stigma or shame that is associated with seeking help. There is an unfortunate number of people who ridicule those who dare to seek help from therapists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. There is also a negative connotation to being admitted to psychiatric facilities such as the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Aside from that, there are even commonly used Filipino derogatory terms for people who need therapy and other kinds of professional help, like baliw and luko-luko/luka-luka (though these are slowly going out of fashion). Because of this persistent shaming, the people who would benefit from professional help are often discouraged from seeking it.

This brings us to another point: that those who are prevented from receiving help may become more susceptible to self-harm and suicide.

In the Philippines, self-harm and suicide are often regarded as taboo subjects. As a predominantly Catholic nation, many Filipinos grow up with the belief that hurting oneself and taking one’s own life are mortal sins, leading to societal stigma around discussing these issues. However, from a more empathetic and statistical standpoint, it is increasingly important to engage in discussions and raise awareness about these issues now because the suicide rate in the country keeps rising.

Data from the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) revealed that the percentage of Filipino youth who have tried to end their lives rose to 7.5% in 2021, significantly higher than the 3% recorded in 2013. The data also showed that six in 10 of those who have thought about committing suicide did not reach out to anyone about it. These incredibly alarming findings may be an early indication of a national mental health crisis in the near future, and thus must be addressed accordingly.

To recapitulate: some of the reasons why mental health must be given more significance are to raise awareness, to eradicate the stigma associated with seeking help, and to quell the rise of self-harm and suicide in the population.

But in the end, the most important reason is simply… compassion.

In 1986, Dr. Virgilio Enriquez—the Father of Filipino Psychology—proposed the psychological concept of kapwa; the shared self; the unity of the ‘self’ and ‘others.’ It may seem like a simple Filipino word, but to Dr. Enriquez, it is the type of conviction that Filipinos value most. According to him, “…[I]f one is walang kapwa tao, [Filipinos] say “He must have reached rock-bottom”; napakasama na niya, “He is the worst”.” Recognizing the dignity and humanity of others reflects our own self-respect. At its core, the concept of kapwa centers on compassion, and those grappling with mental health issues are our kapwa.

We now face rising rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide. It has become clear that our collective well-being is at stake. By embracing the concept of kapwa, we are reminded that mental health is not just an individual concern but a societal responsibility. Each of us has a role to play in breaking down the stigma that silences struggles and prevents individuals from seeking help.

As a community, we must advocate for open dialogues, empower those in distress to share their stories, and extend our hands in support. The fight for mental health is not just about statistics or policies; it’s about nurturing a culture that values every person’s dignity and humanity. Together, let us create an environment where compassion prevails, where seeking help is a sign of strength, and where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.

If we stand united in this mission, we will pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future for all Filipinos—because in recognizing our shared humanity, we will not only uplift ourselves, but each other. We must not let anyone suffer in the dark. It is crucial now more than ever to elevate the significance of mental health, as ultimately, we are all interconnected as fellow human beings—kapwa tao.