DOH says RP needs mental health programs

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) said the country needs to institutionalize intervention programs on mental health, especially when 60 percent of suicides in the world occur in Asia.

In the Philippines, mental illness remains the third most common form of disability, based on a survey conducted by the National Statistics Office in 2000.                                       

The survey showed that the prevalence rate of mental disorders then was 88 cases per 100,000 persons.

2005 National Health Statistics showed that the peak of suicide in the country was among 20- to 24-year-olds.  

Among the school age group, suicide is triggered by bullying, social stressors, parental deprivation, family type, academic upheaval and economic crisis DOH said.                   

In 2008, a study done by the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that some 3,000 people worldwide commit suicide.                                                                                           

It was also found out that for every person who commits suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives, and the most, 60 percent, suicides in the world occur in Asia, DOH said.

The WHO has estimated that by 2020, depression will be the most common single cause of disability in both developing and developed countries.                                                            

The health department said there is a need to address the gap between the governments mental health program and health service delivery.                                                                           

DOH has recommended the institutionalization of mental health literacy in the general public, expansion of the Philippine Health Insurance Coverage to include mental health and establishment of counseling clinics in schools and communities.                                                                              

The impact of suicide is devastating for all concerned. On a personal level, families and friends require support, the DOH said.