However, this doesn’t mean that nothing is being done to fix this. Helping out the Department of Health (DOH), Paccial enumerates the possibilities of a plan DOH is putting together to empower communities to prioritize mental health. In this plan, each Filipino community can: 1. Strengthen the support system for mental health professionals and people living with mental health disorders. Says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “A child’s healthy development depends on their parents.” Filipinos generally have strong family ties; the DOH plans to maximize these ties in establishing strong support systems for people working in mental health services or those living with mental health conditions. 2. Help determine when a person needs a professional’s help. The accessible support of a community is vital in a person’s mental health. But when someone’s mental health issues begin to interfere with their daily life, a professional’s help is needed. If community support is strong, they will be able to detect this need and call the necessary help. 3. Spread awareness; encourage empowerment. Mental health education begins at home and in the neighborhood, not in school. Parents and the other adults in the community have a responsibility to teach empathy and compassion for people living with mental health disorders. And when they feel this kindness towards them, people who are struggling mentally, emotionally, and socially will be empowered to be kind to themselves. Thus may begin healing. Quick read: • Community support is essential in carrying out mental health care. Unfortunately, there are no community-scale systematized mental health services in the Philippines. • When the Department of Health (DOH) finally carries out its mental health care plan, they will look to promote community-based mental health care services. • The family unit serves as a strong support system. • Community support can also come in the form of mental health education, empowerment, and continuity of care. Sources: Kohrt, B., Asher, L., Bhardwaj, A., Fazel, M., Jordans, M., Mutamba, B.,...Patel, V. (2018, June 15). The Role of Communities in Mental Health Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Meta-Review of Components and Competencies. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025474/ Philippines: Delivering Mental Health Services Closer to the Communities. (2017, October 9). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/philippines/news/feature-stories/detail/philippines-delivering-mental-health-services-closer-to-thecommunities Paccial, R. (2021, July 15). Learning Sessions on the Right to Mental Health—CHR: Dignity of All [Webinar]. Commission on Human Rights. Mental Health of Children and Parents: A Strong Connection. (2022, April 19). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/mental-health-children-and-parents.html 4. Ensure continuity of care. In tight-knit Filipino communities, no one is left behind. When a person leaves a long-term care facility, or completes a short confinement in the hospital, their family, friends, and community should be in a position to continue their care. When it comes to mental health care, the role of the Filipino family, barkada, and barangay is simple: be there, listen kindly, and reach out to professionals when they see their loved one needs it. (Also, hugs are always welcome.) 51 52