Most of the time when Filipinos get sad, anxious, or even scared, we push it off as something to be ignored and forgotten about. We often chuck it off as something caused by external stresses in our daily lives, things like changing jobs or homes, financial issues, being over worked in your profession or school, family or relationship problems, and all of which are often thought of as temporary. And even though there has been recent effort in social media to normalize the prioritization of mental health, there is still much to be done about how the Filipino people address and talk about mental issues.
In a society highly reluctant to talk about mental illnesses enough as it is, how do we know when these stresses has affected as enough to ask for professional help? After all, mental illnesses are complicated and its effects may vary per person. With that said, if you have been experiencing the following symptoms, maybe it is time to consider getting a mental health check-up:
- Feeling easily irritated or angered?
Have you been feeling especially impatient when you weren’t like that before? Does it seem like everyone, even your family and friends, get on your nerves? Even if you know that they mean well, you can’t help but prefer that they leave you alone.
This is a common sign of a mental issue. Most depressed and anxious people foster negative thoughts and feelings, which can often be directed to people around them. While it is normal to have days where you would rather be alone, if you notice that you are pushing people away more than usual then it may be a sign of something more.
- Feeling tired? Sleeping too much or too little?
While it is normal for someone who is working a lot or having too much on their plate to feel tired, it is important to know when and what is your limit. Do you instantly feel drained even just waking up and does this feeling never leave even if you have enough sleep?
Depression may vary from person to person, some may sleep too much and some may sleep too little to rally through this constant exhaustion, but it never seems to be enough. Studies have found that sleeping issues, whether sleeping too much or too little, can drastically affect the person. Furthermore, some state that although many people experience sleeping problems, it is two (2) to three (3) times more common for people who suffer from mental illnesses.
This symptom causes a lack of focus and makes it hard to function during the day. So if you find yourself constantly exhausted, and having difficulty to get anything done then you should consider getting professional help.
- Don’t feel like socializing that much anymore?
All of us have a standard comfortability when it comes to how and when we interact with people, whether we are considered to be introverted, extroverted, or the in-between. But when you find yourself moving away from or below that standard then it may be a sign of something more.
Although, like what was said before, it is normal to have times where we prefer to be alone, which could also be healthy. But, if you constantly make excuses to avoid socializing or even just checking your social media when you enjoyed all of these activities before, then this could be a sign of a mental illness such as depression, anxiety, or even psychotic disorder.
- Not eating much or eating too much?
There are times where in people overeat, like during holidays and celebrations (especially with the Filipino culture), and also there are times were eating less is normal like when you’re trying to lose weight. It is important to know the underlying purpose of why you are developing a different eating habit to find out whether it is an effect of your deteriorating mental health.
Often people with depression forget to eat or are unable to stop eating as a way to cope with how they are feeling. Forgetting to eat because of the lack of interest in food due to being exhausted or anxious, and overeating due to it being a feeling of pleasure that which can alleviate or make them forget about what they are feeling. These chaotic eating habits are common signs of someone with a mental illness.
- Feeling easily overwhelmed or anxious?
If you find yourself more overwhelmed with your tasks and everyday things to do more than usual, causing a cloud of anxiety over you, then it may be a sign of something more. Worsening anxiety can coincide with worsening mental health. It is important to monitor your anxiety levels and how you cope with excessive outside stress because a noticeable change can help you differentiate it with normal worrying, which is often dismissed by most people.
Over anxiousness can manifest in having problems relaxing, heart rate speeding up, breathing rate increasing, nausea, Insomnia, racing thoughts, unexplained aches and pains, or being easily irritated. If you’ve ever felt this way on most days for at least six months, you should consider talking to a mental health professional about your symptoms.
If you answered yes to all or most of these questions then you or someone you know might be suffering from a mental illness, and should be encouraged to see a professional to help yourself and those around you properly care for their mental state.
There are multiple types of mental health assessment services available in the Philippines at different costs, the following organizations are offering them for free:
- National Center for Mental Health – offers free psychiatric consultation open to everyone. Contact them at (02)79898727 or 09178998727.
- Philippine General Hospital (PGH) – offers free psychiatric consultation and counseling services done through personal checkups. Set up an appointment through their website and wait for a confirmation. PGH can be found at Taft Ave., Manila, Metro Manila.
- Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services – This is open to adults, and done fully online. It offers free psychiatric consultation and a brief psychological service of one to two sessions of short-term counseling. Email: bulataocenter.ls@ateneo.edu
- Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center – Only open to adult residents of Marikina and Rizal, offering them free basic psychiatric consultation and counseling services. This is done through video call after booking an appointment through their Facebook page.
- University of the Philippines Diliman Psychosocial Services – Available for enrolled UP Diliman students, faculty and staff offering free counselling services. Contact them at 09063743466 or 09167573157 with your name and concern.
Of course, there are more services out there which could cater better to you mental health needs. Remember, your mental health is as important as your physical health, one should take care of both and need not be afraid of seeking help for either of them. If you or anyone you know are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, sharing this to others could do a great deal. Doing so could save a life.
