Treatment for mental illness not readily available

Getting help for mental health problems is not that easy in Metro Manila. Anyone who suffers from depression, anxiety, panic attack, phobia, or suicidal thought has to be prepared for long waiting times, regardless of whether they are in a private or public hospital. This can end tragically.

My own example: I live in Pasig City and have been looking for a psychiatrist for months, not only in Pasig but also in neighboring regions such as Cainta or Makati. Conversations via hotlines may be good, but these in no way replace a personal conversation with a specialist in psychiatry, psychology, or psychotherapy. In addition to these discussions and therapies, regular medication with psychotropic drugs is also usually included.

Mental illness is not like a headache, where you just take an aspirin and the problem is solved. These serotonin-acting medications must be taken regularly every day for months or years in order to develop their effect not only in the short term but also in the long term.

Please act, because one day, you or a close relative can also be affected. Not everyone is a VIP who gets treated right away. Anyone seeking help should also have the right to receive it immediately. Money should not play a role in this treatment either, because most people with illnesses such as schizophrenia or paranoia cannot do any regular work. Brotherhood and solidarity are required here. Helping the most vulnerable is an honor for any society. We are not animals like Darwin where only the strong species survive and we let the weak die. Empathy sets us apart from animals. No one has to remain a caterpillar; many become butterflies after successful treatment.

Jürgen Schöfer, Ph.D.,

Pasig City,

[email protected]