Mental health treatment should not be reserved for the rich
I would like to thank columnist Anna Cristina Tuazon for her article “Board of Psychology goes overboard,” (Safe Space, 7/13/23).
I am writing here as a concerned person. To my great regret, I have to say that the mental health service, whether psychological or psychiatric service, is deficient. There are so many people of all ages and from all walks of life with mentally relevant problems, especially after the pandemic. Unfortunately, my psychiatrist, with whom I had an excellent relationship, is now retired. For over a year now, I have been looking for a new psychiatrist with whom I can build a positive relationship of trust. The two biggest problems are finding a psychiatrist and getting an appointment on time. This is sometimes even vital in the case of acute psychological problems.
Let’s just think of patients with suicidal thoughts; often it doesn’t stop with the dark thoughts. A talk or medicine in such a situation is like finding water in a desert. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about. Therapy prices must also be set realistically. Psychological help must not be reserved for the rich; in my view, access is a human right. In Germany, Switzerland, or France, these are often even offered free of charge and the state pays for the costs. Thousands of asylum seekers and refugees with terrible experiences from wars and catastrophes benefit from this. In contrast, the Philippines is still a “medical developing country.” I see a great need for action here, especially in politics. Helping others is one reason that makes us human. Due to my psychological problems, I was no longer able to practice my profession as a scientific assistant in a biosafety laboratory level 4, and later also no longer able to speak and teach in front of students as a lecturer and teacher of philosophy at a university. Depression, anxiety disorders, or panic attacks require professional treatment by psychologists and psychiatrists with therapies and medication, otherwise, these illnesses will not only destroy professional careers, as in my case, but make a whole life hell. I really don’t wish that on anyone.
Tuazon’s words should be heard, especially by decision-makers in politics.
Jürgen Schöfer, Ph.D.,
