Cases of depression increasing in Pangasinan
ASKING relatives and friends, “How are you today?” helps establish identify symptoms of mental illness, mainly depression.
This was recommended by Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia in his speech during he inauguration of the new building of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA-Pangasinan chapter) in Dagupan City after acknowledging the increasing number of patients with mental illnesses and concerns in Pangasinan.
This was confirmed by Dr. Michael Romero, executive manager of PMHA-Pangasinan chapter, who noted an average of 80 patients seeking consultation at the clinic every weekend.
And based on statistics, most are Dagupan City residents The PMHA in Dagupan is open for free consultation every Saturday and serves not only patients in Pangasinan but from nearby provinces.
The chapter’s new building that was built through the efforts of former Fourth District Reo. Gina de Venecia and her son, Rep. Christopher de Venecia, was inaugurated on Dec. 27.
The chapter conducts school and community-based advocacy campaign and noted an increasing number of people experiencing depression.
The chapter’s Lusog Isip ng Kabataan (LINK) Club organizes summer camp, national greening program, national mental health week celebration.
It also trains doctors, nurses, health workers in the barangays on how to address mental health concerns in the barangays.
Dr. Icelle Soriano, consultant-psychologist at the PMHA- Dagupan, said the number of suicide and depression cases in Pangasinan is reaching alarming levels, particularly among the youth.
Rep. de Venecia, who produced a play titled “Every Brilliant Thing” that tackled mental health awareness, attributed the increase and aggravation of mental cases among young people to social media because the technology isolates the youth.
He said his work with 10 mental health organizations made him realize that everybody’s mental health is like a spectrum. “Sometimes you have good mental health and sometimes you have poor mental health,” he said.
He said he learned that it is important to check on loved ones and friends. “From time to time, ask them how they are,” he said.
“If we became aware of the symptoms, it can be remedied,” he said. (PhilStar Wire Service/ECV)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
