by Niel Benjamin dela Torre Kho Φ2015
Mental health gets a bad rap in the Philippines. According to WHO, 1 in 5 people suffer from mental health problems worldwide, but mental illnesses here are still misunderstood by the majority of people. There is a huge stigma regarding people with mental health illnesses, and so a vast amount of people do not get the treatment they need and deserve.
As one of the advocacies of the Fraternity, the Phi Kappa Mu believes that mental health care should be provided for every Filipino. This was shown with the launching of the exhibit at the PGH Central Block last September 19, 2016. As the official partner of the #MHActNow campaign by the Philippine Psychiatric Association, and in partnership with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, the fraternity seeks to increase awareness of the various mental illnesses through publicity materials, exhibits, and activities, allowing more people to be more informed regarding mental health. With advocates like RA Rivera, Rico Blanco, Mae “Juana Change” Paner, and Ramon Bautista, among others, the #MHActNow campaign upholds the idea that mental health is a basic right for all Filipinos.
A TV showing the official video of the #MHActNow campaign was displayed, along with the seals of the Phi Kappa Mu and Pagkalma, the service arm of the fraternity. The service tarp, showing the pillar of Service of the fraternity, was also presented, signifying the mission of the Fraternity to serve the neglected.
Mental Health Act
The #MHActNow campaign is for the passing of the Mental Health Act, with the final goal is for it to be made into a bill and be passed into Philippine Legislation.
According to the #MHActNow website, the objective of the Act is to ensure all Filipinos are mentally healthy, able to contribute to the development of the country, and can attain a better quality of life. This will be done through an organized and efficient mental health care system. The act will also promote mental health and the protection of rights and freedom of different people with mental health needs. It will also reduce the burden of having mental disabilities. Finally, it will provide direction for the Philippines’ mental health problems, concerns, and efforts.
Campaign
The exhibit launch is the start of a series of activities by the fraternity to serve those with mental disabilities and disorders. In support of the Department of Health’s ongoing campaign for mental health awareness, the fraternity will hold activities to remove the stigma regarding mental health illnesses.
Learn more about Mental Health Awareness at http://mhactnow.org/, read the Mental Health Act, and sign the petition.
