MENTAL HEALTH DAY. The Department of Health - Center for Health Development Ilocos Regio urges residents to avail of free online mental health services and applications. In a social media post on Tuesday (Oct. 10, 2023), the regional office said mental health is as important as physical health. (Photo courtesy of DOH-CHD-1)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Department of Health - Center for Health Development in the Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) on Tuesday urged residents here to avail of free online mental health services as part of the celebration of the World Mental Health Day.
Mental health is as important as physical health, the DOH-CHD-1 posted on social media.
DOH-CHD-1 medical officer Dr. Magnolia Brabante, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday, said one of the most common causes of suicide in the region is mental illness.
She said there were 34 mental health-related deaths in the region from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31.
Specifically, 14 of the cases were reported in Ilocos Norte, 11 in Ilocos Sur, and nine in La Union.
Other factors for mental illness include issues on family, relationships, financial, and health, she said.
Brabante said the top psychiatric cases in the region are psychosis, child and adolescent mental and behavioral disorder, and other significant mental health complaints, such as anxiety, depression, and epilepsy.
As part of the DOH’s “Seven Healthy Habits" under its Healthy Pilipinas (Healthy Philippines) program, the regional office here reminded residents anew to allot a time for their mental health with the help of free online health services and mobile applications developed by the agency.
These online services include the Lusog Isip (Mind Health ) App and the Self-care kits volumes 1 and 2, which are available for free download from Google Playstore and from https://healthypilipinas.ph/resources and https://mentalhealthph.org.
Specifically, these can be accessed from:
- self-care Kit Volume
https://bit.ly/DOHselfcarevol1
- the self-care kit Volume 2 from
https://bit.ly/DOHselfcarevol2
- Mental Health Mind and Body Booklet (English)
https://bit.ly/DOHmhbookletENG
- Mental Health Mind and Body Booklet (Filipino)
https://bit.ly/DOHmhbookletFIL
- Mental Health Mind and Body Booklet (Bisaya)
https://bit.ly/DOHmhbookletBIS
The Lusog Isip app is a self-help and mental health mobile application culturally-adapted for the Philippines. It uses evidence-based screening tools and interventions to help in overall well-being and healthier coping strategies.
On the other hand, the self-care kits are instructional materials that offer steps to attain a certain value although the goal will be set by the user. It has spaces for journaling and personal assessment.
The materials also provide physical activities for a holistic approach to mental health.
The DOH also urged individuals to rest, relax and take a break to relieve stress, join support groups, and seek professional help.
The mental health hotlines available are 1553, 0917-899-USAP (8727), and (02) 7 989-USAP (8727). (PNA)
