TABUK CITY, Kalinga – A mental health orientation and advocacy training bringing together a diverse group of attendees, including community-based mental health responders, local government units, barangay health workers, youth organizations, and various stakeholders was held at the Golden Berries Hotel on November 23.
Charity Jane Lemi, a registered psychologist, emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing mental health issues in today’s society.
She highlighted the need for communities to recognize the various factors that affect mental health, such as violence, abuse, drug and alcohol misuse, traumatic experiences, and long-term stress.
The psychologist explained that mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals think, feel, and behave throughout their lives.
Lemi also shared alarming statistics from the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, revealing 142 cases of suicide and self-harm in 2020 alone, and a total of 478 mental disorder-related deaths from 2018 to 2022. Additionally, 1,262 mental health conditions were recorded in 2021.
To promote mental well-being, Lemi suggested practical strategies such as taking care of physical health, connecting with others, and maintaining a positive outlook on life.
She also encouraged individuals facing mental health challenges to seek professional help from counselors, psychotherapists, clinical psychologists, or psychiatrists, depending on their specific needs.
The training served as a vital step in advocating for better mental health awareness and support within communities. By Ian Jefrey Addatu
