One in every
five Filipinos suffers from a mental health problem. In a supersaturated country like the
Philippines, there are only 700 practicing psychiatrists and it will never be
enough to attend to the country's needs.
Barangay Venus
ranks first in the municipality of Sergio Osmeña to have high presumptive cases
of mental health diseases. For a population of approximately 1300, the team was
able to survey around 19 presumptive mental health cases. When asked why they
are left undiagnosed, families would often mention financial difficulties, and
the absence of a mental health facility in the area.
The nearest
hospital that has a mental health facility is about 2 hours away. As one of the
team's goals, among others, Mental Health is of utmost importance. Through the
effort and active participation of the enabled barangay residents, 8
fully-diagnosed mental health patients are now taking medications, and having
their regular follow-up check ups.
The Barangay's ISIP Center is located in the old Barangay Hall, in Purok Jupiter. With the team's effort in enabling the residents of Venus, Mental Health is now free of the stigma and even more understood in the barangay.
