Guingona backs move for mental health bill

CEBU, Philippines - Liberal Party senatorial candidate, Bukidnon Rep. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III, expressed his support for the efforts of the Philippine Psychiatric Association for Congress to pass a mental health bill to strengthen and institutionalize services for mental health care.

Earlier, the Department of Health conducted a survey that revealed that as many as three out of ten government employees have mental health problems.

In that survey, it was found out that the most common mental disorders found among state workers were depression and anxiety disorder, which, according to experts, require professional intervention, medication and therapy.

The solon said the services of government employee are invaluable to the growth and development of the nation.

Guingona said that government workers are the backbone of our bureaucracy, and government services will come to a standstill without them.

“Most people, many in the administration, find this laughable. I find this alarming. If government employees are distressed, they need help, not ridicule,” Guingona said.

The same survey has indicated stress as a primary cause for the public servants’ poor mental health. Stress may be caused by too much worrying caused by low income, concerns over security of tenure and graft and corruption.

Guingona added that the studies attribute the poor mental health of government employees to stress.

Guingona further urged the national government, the DOH and all government agencies to make sure that steps are being undertaken to safeguard the physical and mental well-being of our government employees. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP (THE FREEMAN)