COVID pandemic triggers more mental health cases
THE coronavirus pandemic has aggravated the condition of those suffering from mental health issues.
This was gleaned from those who seek consultation at the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) Pangasinan chapter in Dagupan City
Dr. Michael Romero, PMHA–Pangasinan chapter executive manager, said more young and old clients have been coming for consultations, needing professional help.
Most clients point to symptoms, i.e., sleepless or loss of appetite, or constantly worrying, bothered, for their mental health concerns.
Schizoprenia comprises most of their cases followed by depression, Romero said but doctors learn of their true situation only upon learning of their history because clients are usually in denial stage, he said.
The ratio of female and male clients are almost the same but there are more single than married ones seeking consultation.
This year, there are already 49 new clients at the PMHA Pangasinan, and it averages 100 clients monthly.
The situation for them was aggravated by the protocol imposed for quarantine that started with Extreme Enhanced Community Quarantine (EECQ) as imposed in Pangasinan.
The difficult situation only improved as the level of quarantine was lowered, to modified community quarantine, and only then did the old clients managed to return and new ones come for consultation at its clinic in Dagupan City.
“The pandemic has affected our physical, economic, as well as mental health,” he said.
Still, clients are still having a hard time going back for consultation because of restrictions in using tricycles and jeepneys, that led some to request to their local governments for the use of ambulance or to their barangay for service vehicle, he added.
The PMHA Pangasinan conducts clinic every Saturday only. (PhilStar Wire Service/ECV)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
