Gesmundo urges judiciary to prioritize mental health

MANILA, Philippines — Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Friday urged everyone in the judiciary to prioritize their mental health.

Gesmundo spoke at the Supreme Court (SC)’s ongoing regional summit on mental health in Baguio City, according to the SC public information office.

In his speech, Gesmundo emphasized that the promotion of mental health is an integral part of the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, which is the blueprint of action for reforms in the judiciary.

For his part, SC Associate Justice Mario Lopez said there should be no shame in talking about or getting treatment for health issues.

“There should be no shame in discussing or seeking help for health concerns, such as anxiety or depression, which can afflict anyone,” Lopez said.

“We’ve got to get rid of the embarrassment and stigma,” he added.

Meanwhile, an agency under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has launched a study that aims to check the mental health status of the country’s labor force.

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) said the focus of the research is to find how work affects a person’s mental health.

“The objective of the study is to pinpoint what are the risk factors from work or the workplace affecting an employee’s mental health,” said ILS in a social media post.

The ILS invited workers, particularly from the business process outsourcing sector and food service industry such as restaurants and fast food establishments, to participate in the ongoing survey.

It also urged those coming from the manufacturing and wholesale and retail industries to take part in the activity.

The ILS advised those interested to go to this URL for the survey: bit.ly/WorkplaceMHSurvey.

The ILS said it is important to gauge how employees react to stress and anxiety they are experiencing in the workplace.

“Participation in this survey is essential to determine causes and/or risk factors for work-induced mental health conditions in the workplace,” it noted.

The DOLE earlier said employers must ensure that employees are provided with effective access to mental health and self-care services, such as those under the “Lusog-Isip” application.

The department likewise said employers must refer employees requiring mental health services to Department of Health hospitals or rural health units for consultation, screening, diagnosis, medication, treatment and provision of psychosocial support.