Shortage of trained specialists, creating mental health crisis among youth in PHL

Every October 10 since 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health has led the observation of the World Mental Health Day.

This year, the focus is on youth, a demographic that continues to suffer the gaps in policies for psychiatric aid in countries across the globe. Under the theme, "Young people and mental health in a changing world", several organizations and support groups are turning their attention to the growing problem of misdiagnosis and the shortcomings in battling the evolving problem of addiction — specifically addiction to video games and other digital media, as well as issues caused by social media.

In an interview with GMA News "News To Go," program director of The One Algon Place Foundation Cel Gonzales revealed that most of their patients are between 11 and 14 years old.

The patients in the younger end of the spectrum, 11, are typically diagnosed with cyber-addiction. The upper half meanwhile are already engaging in self-harm and attempting suicide.

This is in accordance with the World Health Organization's data, which shows that 50% of mental health patients are aged 14 and suicide rates are particularly high for people aged 15 to 29 years old.

Supplemental data from a study done by researchers from the University of the Philippines show that 1 in 3 Filipinos need to see a psychiatrist for their mental health needs.

But there are only roughly 700 licensed mental health workers. This means that the ratio is 2 mental health work for every 100,000 individuals.

The abysmally low number is alarming, since mental health problems are becoming more prevalent. "Mas laganap siya ngayon, mas marami siya ngayon," Gonzales said.

The low ratio means that Filipinos who need to consult with a well-trained mental health worker sometimes need to wait two months before getting a foot in the door.

"Sa kabuuan kulang," Gonzales said. "Hindi kakayain kaya importante na magkaroon ng programa hanggang sa level ng komunidad para sa mental health issues."

The first step towards addressing the problem starts at home. Concerns raised by the youth about feeling "depressed" or "anxious" must be taken seriously and the best course of action is to see a specialist. "Importante na makita sila sa mga espesyalista," Gonzales said.

A sufficient budget to implement the Mental Health Act and address the shortage of specialist, to encourage proper diagnosis of issues as Gonzales said that mental health problems manifest in different ways. For example, depression is commonly associated with the loss of appetite, but binge eating is also a symptom and may be read as a cry for help.

It is important for family and friends to observe behavioral changes, especially drastic ones. "Any behaviorial change sa bata ay cry for help ... Bigyan natin ng pansin at tugon ito para hindi ito mauwi sa suicide."

Young people are particularly vulnerable, because their brains are still developing. Gonzales said that they have yet to learn how care for themselves or how to handle relationships and are thus unable to imagine a solution to a difficult situation.

They might believe that suicide is a solution to problem — a problem that might not even be real. But suicide is not a solution, Gonzales said. — Aya Tantiangco/LA, GMA News

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