Psychiatrists address mental issues in forum

Being a journalist can bring traumatic experiences. Apart from threats of assassinations, the job also exposes one to a high risk of developing psychological disorders.

This was the friendly alarm sounded by noted psychiatrist Dr. June Pagaduan-Lopez, during the 4th Annual Media Forum of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) at Camp John Hay, Baguio City.

Dubbed “Never Say, Never Mind,” the media forum is part of the PPA’s efforts to spread awareness on mental disorders and how to prevent them through public information campaigns.

Aside from Lopez, two other well-respected Filipino psychiatrists, Drs. Marissa Pascual and Daisy Ann Jabido, joined the media forum.

Because of the stress of the profession, some journalists become prone to vices such as smoking, drinking alcohol and the use of prescription drugs such as tranquilizers to calm them down. Lopez advised journalists to learn to manage their stress in a constructive manner.

Witnessing catastrophes and other horrible events such as crimes, massacres, war and other forms of violence imposes a heavy emotional toll on journalists that may lead to potentially serious psychological disorders.

In a country reported to be the third most dangerous place for journalists because of the risk of assassinations, the pressure may simply be too much for some journalists. The scenario is both physically and emotionally unhealthy for journalists, according to Lopez.

Pascual talked about the unfavorable impressions and common terms that Filipinos use to refer to mental illness and patients suffering from them.

She noted a big improvement in the knowledge and attitude of patients suffering from mental illness and the people around them including family and friends. This improved education leads to early and proper treatment, said Pascual.

Jabido, who is based in Davao City, discussed the psychological problems of children and adolescents.

Jabido said they are in an emotionally problematic phase in their years before becoming an adult, and these adolescents tend to develop social problems such as low self-esteem personality, difficulty in problem-solving and decision-making, and tendency to become more aggressive. 

Psychiatrists have a special 10-week program to address this difficult phase in an adolescent’s life, said Jabido.

The program gives special attention to the behavior of adolescents through sessions especially designed to help the youth cope and suppress aggression, a common problem among teenagers nowadays.

Though this program is designed for teenagers 13 to 18 years old, Jabido said they also entertain participants either younger or older than the range with only some modifications in the program.

Family members — parents and other siblings — are also involved in the program since they must be able to provide the vital emotional support system to the adolescent.

The media forum was sponsored by Otsuka Philippines which markets the drug Abilify in the country.

Dr. Imelda Batar, outgoing president of PPA, noted at the close of the forum that the PPA needs the media so they can disseminate the proper education through right information on mental health.

She also stressed that the media should help educate people that they can seek the help of psychiatrists even if they are not mentally ill.