Mental health concerns in Baguio alarming
The City Health Services Office (CHSO) said that mental health issues among city residents are significantly increasing and is considered to be already alarming that warrants a solid partnership between the government and the community to address the said problem.
Ricky B. Ducas, CHSO mental health coordinator, claimed that among the reasons for the prevalence of mental health issues among city residents include dysfunctional families, sexual abuse, physical abuse, bullying, disorderly body shape and sexual orientation.
He pointed out that the local government considers the increase of individuals seeking consultations for their mental health issues as positive because people are now fully aware that there are available interventions that are available for them to be given the necessary treatment or whatever needed services.
However, The CHSO mental health coordinator explained that the alarming incidents of mental health issues has also its negative aspect, especially that those being afflicted are those within the 12 to 24 age range and those within the workforce.
According to him, mental health issues can be treated through the available therapy, treatment, psycho-social services and medications which are readily available.
Ducas stipulated that the active participation of the community is also important in providing the conducive environment for individuals suffering from mental health issues to slowly recover from their current predicament and for them to be able to mingle with the society.
He explained that among the mechanisms to help avoid mental health problems among individuals include good parenting, proper peer interactions and community engagement to ensure that the youth are given the proper attention for them to bring out their potential and contribute to society.
Ducas called on individuals suffering from depression and anxiety to immediately seek proper consultations with the nearest health care providers in their communities so that appropriate interventions will be instituted to prevent their situation from worsening for them to be able to sustain their productive activities. – Dexter A. See
