How to help someone with schizophrenia in the Philippines

The World Health Organization celebrates World Mental Health Day today, October 10. In response, Filipinos should learn how to handle the most common mental health issue in the nation: schizophrenia.

The Southern Philippines Medical Center Journal of Health Care Services says schizophrenia was the top mental disorder in 2015. Around 1 percent of Filipinos struggle with this condition, including someone you know.

This article will discuss schizophrenia’s symptoms and explain how you or someone you know could manage this condition. Please consult a doctor if the issue worsens.

What is schizophrenia?

The SPMC explains schizophrenia causes positive and negative symptoms. Despite the names, these can hamper various aspects of a person’s life, such as self-care and employment.

The positive symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, confused thoughts, and others. On the other hand, negative symptoms include withdrawal, flattening, and a lack of pleasure.  

Liz Hughes, a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology graduate from the University of Houston, explained schizophrenia further via email.

She wrote that diagnosis requires the presence of at least two or more of the following symptoms: 

• Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs that are not based in reality (e.g., thinking one has extraordinary powers or is being persecuted).
• Hallucinations: Sensory experiences that occur without external stimuli, often involving hearing voices.
• Disorganized Speech: Incoherent or fragmented speech due to disorganized thinking.
• Grossly Disorganized or Catatonic Behavior: Abnormal or unpredictable movements or lack of movement.
• Negative Symptoms: Reduced ability to function normally, such as diminished emotional expression or avolition (lack of motivation).

READ: New drug for schizophrenia has experts excited

Also, a medical health professional must confirm additional factors like: 

• Symptoms lasting at least six months
• At least a month of active symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech
• Symptoms must interfere with important aspects of life, such as work, social interactions, or self-care

The medical professional should also rule out other psychological conditions. Moreover, the issue should not stem from substance use or another medical problem.

How to help someone with schizophrenia

The US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration shares these strategies for coping with schizophrenia:

1. Know your warning signs by understanding the symptoms.
2. Take care of yourself by eating healthy and exercising daily.
3. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
4. Use stress management methods like meditation to prevent an episode. 
5. Join a support group of other people with the same condition. 
6. Consult a health professional to receive proper treatment.

However, many Filipinos still hold a stigma against those with mental health conditions, making it harder for them to receive help. 

READ: Why people are asking ChatGPT for mental health advice

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) says stigma occurs when a person defines someone based on their illness instead of who they are. 

Nurse Cyra Policarpio of the Baguio City Health Services explains how Filipinos could overcome the stigma to help people with schizophrenia and other conditions. 

• Understand the facts on mental health illnesses.
• Use and choose your words carefully as they can have a huge impact.
• Know when you’re overstepping a person’s boundaries by being conscious of your attitudes and behaviors. 
• Inform others by sharing mental health facts and positivity. You may start by sharing this article or this one on Sensory Processing Disorder with friends and family.
• More importantly, treat everyone with dignity and respect.

Remember that there is hope for those with psychological disorders. For example, the Philippine Journal of Psychiatry’s study shows the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program can help people with schizophrenia. 

US health regulators recently approved a new form of schizophrenia treatment, which could give them more options.

Mental health hotlines in the Philippines

Seek professional help if you or your loved one’s symptoms persist or worsen. Call the following mental health crisis hotlines:

• National Center for Mental Health (NCMH): 1553 (Nationwide landline toll-free),  (02)1553, 1800-1888-1553 for Smart & TNT subscribers
• Philippine Red Cross Hopeline: 804HOPE(4673), 0917 558 4673, 2919 for Globe and TM subscribers