Prioritize mental health, remove stigma on seeking help, psychiatrist urges public

A psychiatrist has urged the public to give importance to their mental health and remove any stigma on seeking professional help.

During a “Bawal Judgmental” segment on “Eat Bulaga” Saturday, where mental health advocates were invited as guests, psychiatrist Dr. Bernadette Manalo-Arcena said: “Hindi kesyo nagpatingin sa psychiatrist ay baliw na o meron nang topak.”

“Importante din alagaan ang kaisipan ... Hindi nakakahiya na magpatingin sa doctor lalo na kung kaisipan hindi na maayos, lahat apektado. Hindi ikinakahiya kung ikaw ay nagkaroon ng lungkot. May pag-asa pa,” she added.

The doctor also said being in denial by not seeking help or simply disregarding the issue when we’re feeling something within ourselves could also become a problem.

“Kapag ikaw ay concerned sa health mo, it is better na may prevention ka ng doctor para maayos ang problema, ang lungkot kasi kaya naman siya,” Manalo-Arcena said.

According to the doctor, there are many government hospitals that offer psychiatric consultations for free.

“I think kung tayo ay gumagastos sa pagpapaganda ng katawan natin, importante din ang isip ay nabibigyan ng pansin,” she said.

“Hindi nakakahiya na may lungkot. Kung kailangan magpatingin sa doctor gawin mo. That can save lives.” – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News