Mental health issues affecting general population amid hard times —Pimentel

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel said Filipino adults experience mental health problems due to the current living conditions in the country.

"Generally speaking, sa general population natin may problema tayo. Tumaas ang problema natin sa mental health or some psychological problems kasi nga humirap talaga ang buhay e," Pimentel said in an online interview.

"Hindi ako nagtataka sa information na galing sa DepEd among students. Hindi rin po ako magtataka na kung meron man mag-study sa general population na tumaas talaga ang cases of mental health issues or problems. Some may be permanent but hopefully karamihan dyan ay temporary," he added.

The lawmaker issued the remark when asked about what the government should do to address the mental health problems among students following DepEd's report in a Senate hearing that a total of 404 students took their own lives and 2,147 attempted to commit suicide during School Year 2021 to 2022.

Pimentel said the government must take seriously the implementation of laws on mental health and it should allocate funds for related programs.

Among his suggestions is for the government to replicate the hotlines of private foundations where professionals offer help to those who are experiencing mental health issues.

Schools must also fill up positions for personnel that will help the students address their mental health problems, he added.

Further, Pimentel said the government can also offer scholarships or stipends to students who are taking psychology and psychiatry courses so there will be professionals who will help the government implement its programs that will take care of its constituents' mental health.

In 2018, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11036, or the Philippine Mental Health Law.

The measure provides basic mental health services down to the barangay level while increasing the capacities of mental health professionals.—LDF, GMA Integrated News