Jay Valleser Mental health
Mental health
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 00:00
A SILENT but deadly effect of Sendong will continue to haunt the victims of that tragedy for a long time. Sadly, our city officials who have shown less interest in promoting mental health in the past, have proven by their disinterest and inaction that they themselves need some mental-health intervention. The number of suicides will continue to rise up, increasing drinking problems, vagrancy, broken families and destroyed youth will continue to take its tolls from among the victims for a long time to come. Sadly too, not one of our city officials have shown any interest in even acknowledging that this is a problem aside from their usual political demagoguery.
Some two years ago, I wrote about the role of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) in our burgeoning society. I said then that a growing society needs a critical support group which only the PMHA could provide. Then-Mayor Tinnex Jaraula "approved" the request that PMHA be given a lot in the old cemetery where the agency could set up its intervention facilities, including offices so that it could be a partner in the city's growth. PMHA later learned that Jaraula had a tennis court constructed in the area which was an obvious disregard and lack of interest on mental health.
Came returning Mayor Dongkoy Emano who approved PMHA's request made through Dr. Jerry Calingasan for a cubicle at the city health office building. It is still there. Year round, PMHA is doing its best to be the city's partner. Unlike other agencies, however, PMHA could not take pride in claiming that in a given period it has helped so much, that its services are being sought out by parents and the youth alike who need some intervention to right the lives of their children. Those who have benefited from the services of the PMHA will continue to be nameless and faceless!
Over a year ago, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez responded kindly to the request of PMHA for some funds in order to reach out to various city high School students and make them aware on mental health. But the help from Rufus can only do so much. We have reached out to a good number of barangay health workers with the support of Congressman Rufus. And when troubling reports from the evacuation centers of Sendong victims committing suicide, deep in my heart came the sigh of "wish more could have been done."
The PMHA still occupies that unmarked nook at the city health office. Its corps of volunteers would rather remain nameless. I am convinced we have come at the critical time of Sendong tragedy when city leaders must recognize that the city needs the help of PMHA. The mental breakdown of Sendong victims will continue to claim victims who, without their knowledge, have become victims of a problem which could have been prevented. PMHA's corps of volunteers are willing to do the dirty Job. However, we need the support of the city government, Rep. Benjo Benaldo of the city's 1st district, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of the 2nd district, party-list Reps. Maxi Rodriguez and Sid Lico and other well- meaning groups desiring to see healthier communities. E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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