The Path to Good Mental Health

I wonder how people know what they want in life and sort of, get the good out of life – career wise and all. I envy those of a young age who know what they want out of life. Well, maybe so and sometimes.

Speed is not even a goal, sometimes you have to take it easy especially when it’s your mental health at risk. Your peace is better than any amount of money or career-goal.

Yet, not all people have the pleasure of choosing peace over work and especially when there are dependents concerned or affected. Not all have the privilege to turn their back from a toxic environment they have to endure every day. Some people suffer in silence – so silent that there’s a wailing inside that is waiting to happen outside.

If you can choose your peace over everything then you’re privileged but if you can’t, what would you do? For most students, talk with someone. Go to your guidance counselors. You are lucky to have free consultations with someone who will listen.

If you are working, find a psychologist. A counselling session costs 700 pesos at the least. But can you afford it? Not everyone can. Good thing there are psychologists who offer free sessions once a month.

If you are diagnosed with any mental health condition, drink your medicines as a form of self-care. Be open to your psychiatrist. We are fortunate that the Baguio General Hospital caters to free consultations especially out-patient cases.

If you can afford a rehabilitation center, then by all means go. You shouldn’t be concerned about what other people would think, especially when it comes to your own good. The stigma is omnipresent, but by seeking professional help you yourself are lessening the stigma.

In other countries like Australia, there are caregivers specifically for mental health. There are psychiatric nurses in charge of care and therapy for people who experience mental illness. However, in the Philippines sometimes the psychiatrists do it all – diagnosis, talk therapy and care.

There are new laws granting higher wages to psychologists because of the importance of the field in our lives and health care. However, there are only a few psychologists. More so, even psychiatrists. These are harsh realities while the citizenry is suffering from expensive health care.

Unlike other countries who have the most privileges in terms of healthcare systems. Good thing there’s the Universal Health Care Act but still the system draws long lines of queuing from the sick. Imagine being sick, having no companion and queueing the long lines?

Oh well, I wish you peace, I pray for good health and hugs for every Filipino in the Philippines. In the meantime, do the butterfly hugs everyone! Bless us!