The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted mental health worldwide. Social isolation and stress about the virus, health, jobs and financial security have increased anxiety, depression, and exacerbated existing mental illness. Accessing mental health services has also become more difficult due to social distancing. Coping strategies include exercising, connecting with others virtually, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs/alcohol. However, the Philippines lacks sufficient mental healthcare resources as there is less than one provider per 100,000 people.

1. Mental Health

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3.  Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which an
individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope
with the normal stresses of life, can work
productively and is able to make a contribution to
his or her community (World Health Organization).
 Mental health includes our emotional,
psychological, and social wellbeing.
 It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps
determine how we handle stress, relate to others,
and make choices.

4. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), first identified in
December 2019, has resulted in a global pandemic
which continues to impact people in many ways.
The number of cases has continued to rise, with cases
and deaths continuing to rise in many countries, while
the impact of social distancing and quarantine
measures has had a measurable impact on the
economy
COVID-19 and Mental Health

5. The combination of the direct effects of the
disease on individuals and their families the
indirect effect on financial security, housing,
unemployment, and social isolation has led to
an increase in emotional and psychological
challenges worldwide, with specific populations
being disproportionately affected.
COVID-19 and Mental Health

6. Worry
Stress
Anxiety
and other emotional responses are to be
expected during such times of instability, and
for those already suffering mental illness, the
extra pressure serves to exacerbate their
condition.
An additional challenge for those
experiencing mental distress during the
pandemic is that social distancing regulations
make it more difficult to access appropriate
mental healthcare services.
COVID-19 and Mental Health

7. According to the CDC:
Pandemics can be stressful.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people.
Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and
cause strong emotions in adults and children.
Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and
can increase stress and anxiety.
However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your
community stronger.

8. Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:
Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial
situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.
Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Worsening of chronic health problems.
Worsening of mental health conditions.
Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

9. Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can sometimes cause the following:
Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial
situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.
Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Worsening of chronic health problems.
Worsening of mental health conditions.
Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

11. DOH National Mental Health Program manager Frances Prescila Cuevas
said at least 3.6 million Filipinos were found to have mental conditions, based
on the national prevalence study on mental, neurological and substance use
disorders.
DOH data showed that the most number of calls came from people
suffering from depression with 1,145,871 followed by alcohol use disorder
with 874,145.
The callers’ ages ranged from 18 to 30 and were mostly women.
Cuevas said the top three reasons for calling were related to anxiety, asking
for referrals to psychiatrists and inquiries regarding hospital services.

14. There is less than one mental health
worker for every 100,000 Filipinos, and
many are currently unable to gain access
to services

19. Take a deep breath,
then relax.
Embrace the
five senses.
Be in touch with
your thoughts and
feelings.
Develop Coping Skills

20. Coping with Stress Related to COVID-19
•Exercise
•Meditation
•Sleep
•Eat healthy, balanced meals
•Avoid drugs and alcohol
•Connect with others (virtually)

21. Global Data: 24,257,989
as of August 28, 2020 World Health Organization Report
Activities to Manage Negative Emotions
•Call or text a good friend or family
member.
•Do some chores, such as cleaning
the house, doing laundry, or
washing dishes.
•Do something creative. Draw a
picture or build a model.

22. Global Data: 24,257,989
as of August 28, 2020 World Health Organization Report
Activities to Manage Negative Emotions
• Exercise.
• Focus your attention on your environment.
• Go out shopping (Online).
• Practice mindfulness. Focus on your
breathing.

23. Global Data: 24,257,989
as of August 28, 2020 World Health Organization Report
Activities to Manage Negative Emotions
• Read a good book or watch a funny movie.
• Take part in a fun and challenging game
that requires some level of attention, such
as a crossword puzzle or Sudoku.
• Take part in a self-soothing behavior.

24. Global Data: 24,257,989
as of August 28, 2020 World Health Organization Report
Activities to Manage Negative Emotions

26. When we help ourselves, we also help others.
“One day you will tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you went through,
and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide.”