In the second week of October 2020, the country observed the National Mental Health Week in the Philippines that is pursuant to Proclamation No. 452, which was signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1994. This is to coincide with the celebration of World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10. As the Philippines is still facing a global pandemic brought about by COVID-19, it is important that government should address the emerging concern on the mental health and well-being of children and youth as they cope with the situation and as they adapt to the “new normal” in their everyday lives and in education.

Globally, the most vulnerable population is those aged 15-29. Mental health-related deaths are also the second leading cause of fatalities in this age group. These numbers illustrate the need for more conversations and programs that will break the stigma around mental health. Most times, Filipinos do not feel comfortable sharing their mental health challenges for fear of alienation or prejudice. The recent wave of suicide committed by children and young people in the country during this time of COVID-19 Pandemic is a wake-up call we cannot deny. We need to remove the stigma that surrounds Mental Health.

It is important to recognize the children and youth as an important stakeholder in tackling mental health issues in the country and that they have the capability of contributing to the health system in our country especially on mental health. The government must provide a platform for young people to be engaged through consultations and focus group discussions as well as including them in all aspects of policy and decision-making process by allowing them to have a meaningful representation as the government crafts its national policy on mental health. It should also make substantial investment on young people through training and capacity building so that they can help in cascading skills and information regarding mental health in their respective provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays.

As individuals we have to be there for one another especially for our children and youth. As such, it might help to:

• Let them know that you care about them and that they are not alone, empathize with them. You could say something like, “I can’t imagine how painful this is for you, but I would like to try to understand,”
• Be non-judgmental. Don’t criticize or blame them.
• Show that you are listening by repeating information they have shared with you. This can also make sure that you have understood them properly.
• Ask about their reasons for living and dying and listen to their answers. Try to explore their reasons for living in more detail.
• Ask if they have felt like this before. If so, ask how their feelings changed last time.
• Reassure them they will not feel this way forever.
• Encourage them to focus on getting through the day rather than focusing on the future.
• Volunteer to assist them in finding professional help. If need be, offer to keep them company during their session with a licensed therapist. 
• Follow up any commitments that you agree to.
• Make sure someone is with them if they are in immediate danger.
• If you’re unsure about how to help, reach out to medical professionals for guidance.

Let us remember that we don’t need to find an answer, or even to completely understand why they feel the way they do. Listening to what they have to say will at least let them know you care. Encouraging young people to develop healthy eating habits, exercise, and cultivating a positive outlook in life is essential.  Study reveals a link between certain diets and their impact on mental health. Poor diets, researchers say, play a role in worsening mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Mental Health and well-being is a concern for all. Addressing concerns related to Mental, Neurological, and Substance use (MNS) disorders contributes to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Philippine Development Plan, and the recovery of the country from COVID-19 as we look into the future. This can be done through a comprehensive mental health program that includes a wide range of promotive, preventive, treatment and rehabilitative services; that is for all individuals across the life course especially those at risk of and suffering from MNS disorders; integrated in various treatment settings from community to facility that is implemented from the national to the barangay level; and backed with institutional support mechanisms from different government agencies and CSOs, we hope to attain the highest possible level of health for the nation because there is no Universal Health Care without mental health. #LeoChristianLauzon