Why Mental Health Remains a Stigma in the Philippines Today

In the Philippines, mental health struggles are still often treated like an unwelcome guest—acknowledged in hushed tones but never fully embraced. For many Filipinos, it’s an unspoken battle fought on two fronts: against the internal turmoil of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, and against the societal judgment that still clings to outdated beliefs. It’s heartbreaking to think that in a world where conversations about mental health are opening up, many Filipinos remain hesitant to speak out for fear of being misunderstood, labeled, or judged.

A Culture of Silence and Endurance

Filipinos are known for their resilience “kayang-kaya mo yan” (“You can handle it”) is a phrase heard from childhood. But beneath this culture of perseverance lies a dangerous belief that emotional or mental struggles are personal weaknesses rather than health conditions. Admitting to depression or anxiety feels, to many, like confessing that you’re not strong enough. For generations, there’s been an unspoken rule: keep going, stay silent, and don’t let anyone see that you’re struggling.

In many Filipino households, mental health is either not discussed or is brushed aside. “Malungkot ka lang, kumain ka at matulog ng maaga” (“You’re just sad, eat and sleep early”), is often the advice given, implying that emotional well-being can be fixed with basic self-care. This mentality comes from a place of care, but it diminishes the real, complex nature of mental health struggles.

For older generations, this expectation of stoicism is even stronger. Many were raised during challenging times when survival often meant keeping emotions hidden and “getting on with it.” In an era of economic hardship or political upheaval, there was no space for vulnerability, and mental health issues were often regarded as luxuries of the privileged. Admitting to emotional distress was a sign of fragility something that wasn’t acceptable in the face of bigger societal challenges. As a result, many elders still struggle to understand the true nature of mental health conditions today. They often view mental health problems as personal failings rather than medical concerns, believing that their own experiences of “pushing through” are the right way to handle stress and emotional pain.

This gap in understanding creates a difficult situation for younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z are generally more open to discussions about mental health, thanks in part to the global movement that emphasizes mental health awareness. They recognize that depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are medical issues, not character flaws. However, they often face resistance from their parents and grandparents, who may still hold onto the belief that mental illness is something to be conquered through sheer willpower.

This generational divide leaves young Filipinos caught between their desire for openness and the weight of tradition. Many find themselves trapped in a cycle of wanting to seek help but feeling guilty or weak for even considering it. In a society where familial relationships are highly valued, this conflict between traditional values and modern understanding of mental health can create significant internal tension. Young people may worry that expressing their struggles will not only lead to personal judgment but could also reflect poorly on their family, adding another layer of pressure to stay silent.

This culture of endurance is both a source of pride and a barrier to progress. While Filipinos’ ability to remain resilient in the face of hardship is commendable, it’s time to rethink what resilience truly means. True resilience doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine it means having the strength to seek help when you need it. It’s about knowing that vulnerability doesn’t make you weak, but human. As more conversations about mental health begin to unfold in the Philippines, there is hope that this culture of silence will start to shift toward one of openness, compassion, and understanding.

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Religion: Faith and Misunderstanding

The Philippines is a nation deeply rooted in religious faith. For many Filipinos, faith is the cornerstone of daily life, offering hope, comfort, and guidance during difficult times. The sense of community that comes from shared religious practices can provide emotional support during times of crisis. However, when it comes to mental health, this strong religious foundation can also become a double-edged sword, fueling harmful misconceptions.

Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder are sometimes interpreted through a spiritual lens, leading to the belief that they are signs of spiritual or moral failings. In some religious circles, people may believe that mental illness is a punishment for a lack of faith or that it indicates someone has drifted from God’s path. The common response of “Ipagdasal mo lang yan, magiging maayos din ang lahat” (“Just pray about it, and everything will be fine”) is well-meaning but often minimizes the real, complex nature of mental health struggles.

Prayer, while undoubtedly powerful and comforting for many, is not a substitute for professional mental health care. The belief that prayer alone will heal someone can create an internal conflict for individuals suffering from mental health conditions. They may feel ashamed to seek medical or therapeutic help, fearing that they will be seen as not having enough faith or trusting God enough. This guilt can be suffocating, preventing them from accessing the treatment they so desperately need. The stigma of seeking psychiatric help within religious communities can lead to further isolation, with individuals feeling trapped between their faith and their mental health needs.

It’s important to convey the message that faith and therapy can coexist. Seeking help doesn’t mean someone is spiritually weak or lacking in devotion. Instead, it’s a recognition that, like physical health, mental health requires care and attention. Therapy and medication are tools that can work alongside prayer and spiritual practice to support healing. Breaking this harmful cycle of guilt and misunderstanding requires a shift in how religious communities approach mental health, promoting the idea that seeking help is an act of courage, not a betrayal of faith.

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Education Gaps and Misinformation

The passing of the Mental Health Act in 2018 marked a significant milestone for the Philippines, putting mental health on the national agenda. However, the act was just the first step much work remains to be done in terms of education and awareness, particularly in rural areas where mental health issues are still widely misunderstood or stigmatized.

In urban centers, there is a growing openness to discussing mental health, thanks to the influence of social media, awareness campaigns, and younger generations who are more exposed to global conversations on the subject. But in rural provinces, misconceptions still run deep. Mental health issues, especially severe conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, are often viewed through a lens of fear or superstition. People may believe that those with these conditions are possessed by spirits or under the influence of dark forces. Without proper understanding, individuals suffering from mental illness can be ostracized or ridiculed by their own communities.

Even more common mental health struggles like depression and anxiety are often misunderstood. In some cases, they are mistaken for laziness or a lack of motivation, which only serves to reinforce the stigma. Instead of receiving support, those suffering from mental health issues may be accused of not working hard enough or simply needing to change their mindset. This kind of minimization is damaging and can prevent people from seeking help, especially in smaller, more close-knit communities where judgment can be harsher and more public.

Improving mental health education across the country is crucial in dismantling these harmful myths. Schools, community leaders, and even religious institutions can play a vital role in spreading accurate information about mental health, helping people understand that these conditions are medical issues, not moral failings. Empowering communities with knowledge can make a huge difference in how mental health is perceived and, more importantly, how individuals are treated when they need help.

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The Financial and Structural Barriers

The stigma surrounding mental health in the Philippines isn’t only cultural—it’s also tied to significant barriers in accessing mental health services. Even in cases where Filipinos recognize that they need professional help, the journey to receiving that care can be daunting and, for many, out of reach. There is a severe shortage of mental health professionals in the country, with less than three psychiatrists per 100,000 people, according to the World Health Organization. This scarcity of specialists means that those seeking help often face long wait times for appointments, especially in public health facilities where demand far outpaces supply.

For individuals living in rural areas, accessing mental health care is even more challenging. Many provinces lack the infrastructure to provide adequate mental health services, leaving people with few options. Even in cities, the cost of therapy, psychiatric consultations, and medication is prohibitive for many Filipinos. Therapy sessions can cost between P1,500 to P5,000 per session, a sum that is simply unaffordable for low-income families who are already struggling to cover their basic needs. The financial burden of seeking mental health care can cause people to delay or avoid treatment altogether, perpetuating the cycle of untreated mental illness.

While the government has made strides in integrating mental health services into public health programs, these services are often limited and underfunded. There are efforts to provide free or low-cost mental health care through government hospitals, but the reach of these programs is still insufficient, and many people are unaware of the services available to them. Strengthening the public mental health system is critical to ensuring that all Filipinos, regardless of economic status, have access to the care they need.

In the workplace, the situation can be even more dire. Mental health issues are often ignored or stigmatized further, with employees feeling hesitant to ask for mental health leave or accommodations. There’s a pervasive fear that admitting to a mental health condition will make someone appear less competent, unreliable, or unfit for their job. As a result, many workers silently endure their mental health struggles while trying to meet the demands of their jobs. This not only harms their well-being but also impacts their productivity and long-term ability to work.

Employers have a role to play in changing this narrative by creating mental health-friendly workplaces. Policies that promote mental health care, such as providing mental health days, offering counseling services, or encouraging open conversations about mental health, can go a long way in reducing the stigma and making employees feel supported.

The cultural, financial, and structural barriers to mental health care in the Philippines create a heavy burden, but they also highlight the urgency of taking action. By addressing these issues head-on—through education, better access to care, and workplace policies—we can begin to dismantle the stigma and ensure that mental health care becomes a right, not a privilege, for every Filipino.

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The Crushing Weight of Judgment

Perhaps the most painful aspect of mental health stigma in the Philippines is the overwhelming fear of judgment. In a culture where strength is often equated with emotional endurance, many Filipinos fear that admitting to mental health struggles will lead to being labeled as “weak,” “crazy,” or “unstable.” These labels aren’t just hurtful, they can have long-lasting effects on a person’s sense of self-worth and their willingness to seek help. The societal pressure to maintain a facade of composure, even when one is crumbling inside, is immense.

This fear of judgment runs deep. Filipinos are raised in environments where emotional struggles are often swept under the rug. Expressions of vulnerability can be met with discomfort, even mockery. The notion that suffering from depression or anxiety makes you “kulang” (lacking) in some way fosters a toxic mindset. The stigma doesn’t just come from strangers it comes from family members, friends, colleagues, and even within one’s own home, where support should be a refuge. This leads to a vicious cycle of isolation, with many choosing to suffer in silence rather than risk being misunderstood.

All too often, people struggling with mental health issues are met with dismissive comments like “Ang arte mo” (“You’re just being dramatic”) or “Kulang ka lang sa pansin” (“You just want attention”). These remarks are more than just insensitive they are deeply damaging. To someone already in pain, these words reinforce the idea that their feelings are invalid or exaggerated, pushing them further into isolation. The internal battle becomes even harder when it feels like no one is willing to acknowledge that it’s real.

For those grappling with mental health issues, this kind of dismissal creates an emotional and psychological burden that can be unbearable. The shame of being perceived as overly sensitive or attention-seeking often leads individuals to hide their struggles, masking their pain with a smile or forcing themselves to “act normal” in public, all the while breaking down inside. The result is that many people go untreated, their conditions worsening over time until they reach a breaking point.

This stigma has severe consequences, particularly for the younger generation. Over the years, suicide rates among young Filipinos have been steadily rising. According to data from the World Health Organization, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds in the Philippines. Behind these statistics are untold stories of young people who felt trapped by societal expectations, unable to openly express their pain for fear of judgment. The shame surrounding mental health issues in the Philippines, coupled with a lack of accessible resources, has created a dangerous environment where young people feel there is no way out.

What’s more, this judgment doesn’t just affect the individual it also affects the people around them. Families are often unprepared to handle mental health crises. Without proper education, many may misinterpret the symptoms of mental illness, seeing them as misbehavior, laziness, or a lack of willpower. As a result, families might unintentionally contribute to the stigma by minimizing or dismissing their loved one’s pain, believing that tough love or discipline will “fix” the problem.

This pervasive judgment from both society and loved ones makes it incredibly difficult for those who need help to reach out. The fear of being ridiculed or treated differently keeps many Filipinos from seeking professional care. Some worry that admitting to seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist will lead to permanent labels “may topak” (has a screw loose) that follow them wherever they go, making them feel less than fully human in the eyes of their community.

In workplaces, this fear is even more amplified. Employees who are struggling with anxiety or depression may hesitate to disclose their mental health issues, fearing that it will cost them opportunities for advancement, or worse, their job altogether. They fear being seen as incapable or unreliable. This leads many to silently endure their suffering while trying to meet the high expectations placed on them, both at work and in their personal lives. Over time, this emotional burden can become too much to bear.

The weight of judgment is heavy, but it doesn’t have to be. By fostering more understanding and creating safe spaces for open dialogue about mental health, we can begin to lift that burden. When we speak without judgment, when we listen without dismissing someone’s pain, we allow people to show up as their full selves, struggles and all. Mental health issues are not a sign of weakness; they are a reality of being human.

To truly combat this stigma, we need to embrace the idea that mental health struggles deserve the same empathy, attention, and care as physical health issues. This means understanding that when someone says they are not okay, we should believe them and offer support, not judgment. Every person deserves to feel seen and heard, without fear of ridicule or rejection. It’s time we take mental health seriously and begin to shift the narrative because silence, fueled by the fear of judgment, is costing too many lives.

Breaking the Stigma: A Call for Compassion

Addressing mental health stigma in the Philippines requires more than just policies or occasional awareness campaigns it requires a cultural shift. It requires Filipinos to look past outdated beliefs and judgments and embrace a more compassionate understanding of mental health. The values of pakikipagkapwa (empathy) and bayanihan (community support) are deeply rooted in Filipino culture. These same values can be harnessed to support those with mental health challenges, offering understanding and care rather than judgment and fear.

Mental health is not a weakness. It’s a crucial part of who we are as human beings, just as important as physical health. It’s time to break the silence and talk about it, openly and without fear. By sharing stories, by listening without judgment, and by offering support, we can change the way our communities think about mental health.

Together, we can create a future where no Filipino feels ashamed or afraid to say, “I’m struggling, and I need help.” A future where mental health care is accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. Most importantly, a future where mental health is seen as an integral part of every Filipino’s overall well-being, treated with the respect and care it deserves.

The conversation starts now. Let’s end the stigma. Let’s make mental health matter for everyone.