Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 3) — With the Mental Health Act already passed in the Senate, advocates are voicing out their support for the measure.
Among the advocates is Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, who opened up about her personal experience.
Miss International Kylie Verzosa had depression – and is now a mental health advocate
“I went through so much pain and I am a proud survivor of it and those who suffered and fought should not have been left in vain,” Verzosa said.
Senate Bill No. 1354, or the Mental Health Act of 2017 was passed on third and final reading on Tuesday, with 19 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and no abstentions.
Senate passes Mental Health Act
The bill seeks for the government to put up basic mental health services at the community level and psychiatric, psychosocial and neurologic services in all regional, provincial and tertiary hospitals.
“Sa pamamagitan po nitong mental health act, magkakaroon tayo ng stronger mechanisms para siguruhin ang proteksyon ng karapatan ng mga indibidwal na nagsu-suffer sa mental health conditions,” said Senator Risa Hontiveros, the sponsor and principal author of the bill.
[Translation: Throught the mental health act, we will have stronger mechanisms to ensure that the rights of each individual suffering mental health conditions are protected.]
Authors of the measure said that mental health services should not only limit to mentally-ill people but for everyone.
“Etong magiging batas ay para turuan ang ating publiko tungkol sa mental health, para mabawasan ang stigma at diskriminasyon sa pag-integrate ng mental health sa school curriculum, at pag-mainstream ng mental health program sa mga academic institution at sa mga workplaces,” added Hontiveros.
[Translation: This eventual law is to educate the public about mental health, to lessen the stigma and discrimination in integrating mental health in the school curriculum, and to mainstream mental health programs in academic institutions and workplaces.]
The Health department said one out of five Filipino adults have some form of mental illness, like schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety.
One such example is 52-year old Frances Bretana, who used to suffer from depression during her teenage years.
“I never sought long term help because i thought after going through counseling or a short period of time you feel good na (you already feel good)…okay ka na you feel good about yourself and you feel back on your feet,” Bretana said.
She feels leaving the condition untreated for so long led to a bipolar disorder and it was only 12 years ago when she found out about her condition after seeking a medical intervention.
“It was a big relief because after having found out that I was bipolar 2, then me and my family could take on the necessary medical steps,” Bretana added.
Mental health supporters said they may be victorious at the Senate, but the battle hasn’t ended yet as they are still pushing for a counterpart bill at the House of Representatives.
