CAMIGUIN (PIA)--Following Mambajao Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo’s noted concern for the youth’s mental state in a council meeting discussion, Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC) Guidance Counselor Maya Sanchez reiterated the importance of mental health during the ‘Alerto’ radio program, here, May 9.

Sanchez discussed how strong emotional pain, like the feeling of loneliness, can have a grave impact on mental health.

"Isa gyud na siya sa causes gud why they end up taking their lives; wala na silay makita na escape. Kay kaning mga depressed people, lisod kayo na nila ichange ilang negative pattern sa ilang way of thinking."

(Strong emotional pain is really one of the reasons why some end up taking their lives; they can’t find any escape. It’s difficult for depressed people to change the negative pattern in their way of thinking)

She further explained that to be diagnosed with depression, its symptoms would last about two weeks or longer.

Symptoms of depression would include, but not be limited to, the feeling of emptiness, a lack of pleasure even in previously enjoyed activities, a lack of sleep or oversleeping, changes in appetite (either a lack of eating or overeating), and suicidal ideations.

Sanchez highlighted the significance of eliminating the stigma of asking for help. She said fear of being judged for asking for help leads to a heightened rate of anxiety and depression.

"That’s why importante jud kaayo ang strong nga support system sa isa ka tao; nga naa kay pamilya or friends na mashare-an nimo sa imong mga problema. Naa na pud mga responsibilities ana ang different government agencies and also the LGU to create programs for these people," said Sanchez.

(That’s why it’s really important to have a strong support system—to have family or friends that can be confided in and spoken to when it comes to having problems. Different government agencies and the LGU also have responsibilities for creating programs for these people)

She further promoted the Mental Health Act, otherwise known as RA 11036, which protects those utilizing psychiatric, neurologic, and psychosocial health services and aims to enhance the same services.

Sanchez urges parents to be responsive to their children’s needs in mental health through regular monitoring of their activities, behavior, and anxiety. She encourages people to seek professional help upon finding symptoms of poor mental health. (TAAG/PIA-10/Camiguin)