“Inside Out: Mental and
Emotional Health Matter”
SunStar Davao, January
25, 2020
“Mental health disorders
rank third in the most common disabilities in the country, affecting 1 in 5
Filipino adults, just below hearing and visual disability.”
This alarming data from
the World Health Organization was shared by Dr. Val L. Gonzales, the speaker
during the recent parenting talk “Inside Out: Mental and Emotional Health
Matter” organized by the Davao Christian High School Parents-Teachers
Fellowship held at the DCHS V. Mapa auditorium.
Dr.
Gonzales is an ordained minister and licensed counselor who specializes in
dealing with depression, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. He holds a
doctorate degree in Theology
and is an Academic Dean/Associate Professor at the School of Counselling,
Singapore Bible College.
Warning signs
In the Philippines, Dr.
Gonzales shares that the top 4 mental illnesses are schizophrenia, substance
abuse, anxiety, and depression.
With the growing cases of
anxiety and depression in teens and young adults nowadays, he says parents
should be vigilant and watch out for symptoms.
He explains that “anxiety is excessive
worrying that is hard to control and occurs, more often than not, for at least
six months. It is likewise associated with at least three of these symptoms (in
children, only one symptom): restlessness; tiring easily; lack of concentration
or feeling as though the mind goes blank; irritability; increased muscle aches
or soreness; and difficulty speaking.”
In order to confirm someone as
suffering from depression, “he or she must have 5 or more symptoms during the
same 2-week period which include depressed mood most of the day, nearly every
day; markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all; or almost all, activities
most of the day, nearly every day; among others.”
Break
the stigma
“Mental illness is the leprosy of these times. Before, leprosy was
stigmatized so you got away from that person. Now, it’s mental illness that is
stigmatized. And, a great part of this is because we have not been fully
educated about this. We think it’s a curse; that it’s just faulty parenting.
Hopefully, we will realize that there are so many contributing factors to mental
illness,” reveals Dr. Gonzales.
As a community, Dr. Gonzales proposes that we
should increase our level of awareness by organizing events like “Mental Health
Week”.
He discloses that people
should be educated against spiritualizing mental illness. Instead, we should
integrate spirituality with emotionality. “Don’t just say, “I’m going to pray
for you”. Refer that person to a professional,” he urges.
We should also promote
self-care such as regular physical exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating
habits, and a balanced lifestyle. “Get 8 hours of sleep. Lesser than that, you
become irritable. If you are irritable, you cannot think clearly and make wise decisions,”
Dr. Gonzales advises.
In addition, he stresses that we need to identify high-risk
individuals for potential help. Seek professional help when symptoms are
observed especially when there is suicidality. “Don’t let that person be left
by himself. Call the parents; inform the pastor, guidance counsellor or teacher.
Pay attention to that individual.”
“Moreover, establish support
groups. They are an untapped resource that we need to develop and grow in our
organizations,” he continues.
Dr. Gonzales likewise
underscores the discovery and development of one’s God-given gifts. “The
problem with many young people today is that they pursue careers that are not
consistent with their giftedness. With career choice counselling, hopefully,
people will do what they enjoy and like, and feel validated,” observes the
father of two.
“We have to stop this idea that if we stop
talking about mental illness, it will disappear. If we don’t talk about it, it
will not disappear. We should talk about it because awareness precedes change.
The more we are aware, the more we put ourselves in the position to make positive
changes,” Dr. Gonzales imparts.
Special thanks to DCHS teacher Ma'am Farrah Silva for the "Inside Out" quote slides.
E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. To view more photos,
please visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.
No comments:
Post a Comment