Minding the mind

CEBU, Philippines — President Duterte has recently signed the Philippine Mental Health Law. The new law strikes the citizenry in two distinct ways. Some celebrate it, because it would secure, among others, the rights and welfare of persons with mental health needs. Others are quite taken aback by it – they didn’t realize that mental health is such a significant issue in the population.

It’s about time that the government gives attention to the state of mental health in the country. In Cebu, in particular, it is said that one in every three persons suffers from some kind of mental problem. It could mean that there’s easily one in every home.

The mentally ill have always been either made the butt of jokes or ostracized in society. The average person does not consider that he himself may be a candidate for mental illness, as he is for any other illness.

Many people experience mental health concerns from time to time. While mere moodiness and short temper don’t necessarily make one a cuckoo, these are a hint of the real possibility of a mental problem for him. In case the triggering situation worsens or becomes more frequent, the person may be left with no more time to return to his ‘normal’ mindset.

For sure, at one time or another, everyone has had acted in an irrational manner over an issue – only to regret the behavior later. Certain ‘bad times’ are normal in anyone’s life. But some people, for whatever reason, are unable to get their mind out of a fix – to their own detriment.

A mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause the person frequent stress and affect his ability to function. Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions – disorders that affect one’s mood, thinking and behavior. These conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.

But how does one determine if he has signs of a developing mental illness? Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors. The website www.mayoclinic.org lists some of the common signs and symptoms:

• Habitually feeling sad or down;

• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate;

• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt;

• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows;

• Withdrawal from friends and usual activities;

• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping;

• Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations;

• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress;

• Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people;

• Alcohol or drug abuse;

• Major changes in eating habits;

• Sex drive changes;

• Excessive anger, hostility or violence; and

• Suicidal thinking.

Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headache, or other unexplained aches and pains.

The Mayo Clinic website suggests that in case of any of those signs or symptoms, one must see a doctor, preferably a mental health specialist. A developing mental problem may be treated by therapy or medication, or both. If untreated, a mental illness may get worse over time and cause more serious problems.

Mental illness is common, and can occur at any age, from childhood through later adult years, although it mostly begins earlier in life. The condition can be temporary or long lasting. While there is no sure way to prevent mental illness, one may lessen his risks or the adverse effects by paying close attention to warning signs, getting help when needed, and taking good care of oneself.