Over 150 health care professionals, service users and caregivers attend the ‘Yakap at Alaga sa Kapwa, Alay sa Pag-iisip’ event. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MENTAL health is regarded as an essential element to one's well-being, and its significance is even more pronounced in this time of Covid pandemic. The Department of Health estimates that at least 3.6 million Filipinos have experienced mental health issues in various ways during the pandemic, including depression and other mood disorders, adding to the already existing large population suffering from other serious mental disorders such as schizophrenia.