Mental health issues of Massage therapists who practice sex work during COVID-19 in the Philippines

The Philippines has been lauded for its labor-export programs and is deemed as a global model of migration by other countries. With the economic and employment challenges in the country, seeking work opportunities overseas becomes a promising option. Numerous policies bring forth to the creation of government agencies that focus on labor protection and welfare promotion of migrant workers here and in their host countries, which include advancement of mental health. This paper aims to review and identify the gaps of regulatory policies that intersect the phases of migration: pre-deployment, deployment, and reintegration. Statistics and anecdotal data show that cases of distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are increasing given the presence of adverse working conditions across the continents. This problem is compounded by cultural stigma and financial inaccessibility of seeking mental health services. Post-repatriation issues, particularly the concerns on socio-economic reintegration is further noted. Thus, the management of mental health among OFWs calls for a comprehensive review of our existing policies and the delineation of the interrelated responsibilities of all relevant stakeholders for effective multisectoral program implementation. Synchronized endeavors of different agencies for efficient handling of psychosocial programs for OFWs in all stages of deployment is needed. Realistic and sustainable programs to address mental health issues are attainable through collaborative actions, with the foresight of focusing on prevention rather than treatment.

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Philippine Mental Health Act: just an act? A call to look into the bi-directionality of mental health and economy

10.31234/osf.io/u43fj ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nicholle Mae Amor Maravilla ◽

Myles Joshua Tan

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

The Philippines ◽

Evaluation Framework ◽

Health Issues ◽

Health Concerns ◽

Mental Health Act ◽

Current State ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

The World

This article calls for an investigation into the potential bi-directionality between mental health and economics, particularly in the Philippines. Here, we talk about the three themes that contribute to misbeliefs about mental health in Philippine culture and the current state of mental health in the Philippines, including established mental and public health legislations and the lack of resources needed to address mental health concerns in the country. We also compare the Philippines with Northwestern European countries, nine of which are among the 10 happiest countries in the world. In these countries, collaboration between governments and their citizens strengthens research, monitoring, and the evaluation framework of policymaking for mental health — areas in which the Philippines must improve. Finally, we call for Filipinos to view mental health issues in a different light and to impel government and public sectors to prioritize them and to set the Philippine Mental Health Act into motion.

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