LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Bicol will spearhead Thursday, Oct. 10, the region’s first and biggest affair on mental health advocacy to prevent psychosocial disorders through various mental health care programs implemented by the government and other stakeholders.
The 1st Bicol Mental Health Congress will be held in time for the World Mental Health Day and National Health Week observed every second week of October.
The congress goes by the 2013 international theme “Mental Health and Older Adults” and supported by the local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and community-based rehabilitation centers.
DOH-CHD Bicol regional director Gloria J. Balboa said the congress aims to intensify mental health awareness, adding that this year’s advocacy intends to take a closer look at the mental conditions, especially of the elderly, and discuss the ways
Balboa said that a team of inter-agency personnel composed of first responders in emergencies were trained last October 1-4, this year to provide psychological first aid at the grassroots and recognize the danger signs that will require them to endorse patients to higher level of care.
She assured that the health department will continue to help build up the mental health of Bicolanos by giving outstanding support to the advocacy of mental health and providing technical support to the LGUs.
“The elderly are very vulnerable to developing psychosocial disorders. Factors like living alone, physical disability, sensory deficit and loss of status have caused many seniors to feel lonely, insecure and useless and these negative emotions if not prevented will often lead to mental disorders.” said Wendy Baluis, RN, Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator at DOH-CHD Bicol.
Baluis disclosed that 3.21 % of the region’s population is suffering from psychosocial disorders and added that the DOH-CHD Bicol and stakeholders are working out on creating a unified system so that they can effectively respond to the immediate need for mental health attention of the Bicolanos.
On ways to maintain a healthy mind, Baluis advised, is to have a healthy diet, engage in physical activities, avoid vices such as drinking, smoking and taking drugs and learn to manage stress.
“A healthy mind leads to a healthy life.” she added.
Baluis said the agency invited local chief executives, NGOs, the academe, the media and the senior citizens to participate in said event.
The 1st Bicol Mental Health Congress was made possible through DOH-CHD Bicol partners namely, Holy Face Center for Mental Health, Simon of Cyrene Children's Rehabilitation and Development Foundation, Inc. (SCCRDFI) and Sorsogon Integrated Health Services Foundation, Inc. (MAL/JNGuerero, PIO-DOHCHD/PIA5)
The 1st Bicol Mental Health Congress will be held in time for the World Mental Health Day and National Health Week observed every second week of October.
The congress goes by the 2013 international theme “Mental Health and Older Adults” and supported by the local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and community-based rehabilitation centers.
DOH-CHD Bicol regional director Gloria J. Balboa said the congress aims to intensify mental health awareness, adding that this year’s advocacy intends to take a closer look at the mental conditions, especially of the elderly, and discuss the ways
Balboa said that a team of inter-agency personnel composed of first responders in emergencies were trained last October 1-4, this year to provide psychological first aid at the grassroots and recognize the danger signs that will require them to endorse patients to higher level of care.
She assured that the health department will continue to help build up the mental health of Bicolanos by giving outstanding support to the advocacy of mental health and providing technical support to the LGUs.
“The elderly are very vulnerable to developing psychosocial disorders. Factors like living alone, physical disability, sensory deficit and loss of status have caused many seniors to feel lonely, insecure and useless and these negative emotions if not prevented will often lead to mental disorders.” said Wendy Baluis, RN, Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator at DOH-CHD Bicol.
Baluis disclosed that 3.21 % of the region’s population is suffering from psychosocial disorders and added that the DOH-CHD Bicol and stakeholders are working out on creating a unified system so that they can effectively respond to the immediate need for mental health attention of the Bicolanos.
On ways to maintain a healthy mind, Baluis advised, is to have a healthy diet, engage in physical activities, avoid vices such as drinking, smoking and taking drugs and learn to manage stress.
“A healthy mind leads to a healthy life.” she added.
Baluis said the agency invited local chief executives, NGOs, the academe, the media and the senior citizens to participate in said event.
The 1st Bicol Mental Health Congress was made possible through DOH-CHD Bicol partners namely, Holy Face Center for Mental Health, Simon of Cyrene Children's Rehabilitation and Development Foundation, Inc. (SCCRDFI) and Sorsogon Integrated Health Services Foundation, Inc. (MAL/JNGuerero, PIO-DOHCHD/PIA5)
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