Topic: Mental Health

General Purpose: To Argue

Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, my audience will understand the importance of a one week mental health break for students, especially of the University of the Philippines.

“Yung depression, gawa-gawa lang ng mga tao iyan. Gawa nila sa sarili nila. Huwag
ninyong suportahan. Gawa-gawa lang nila yun, pabayaan n’yo. Nagpapasosyal lang. Pag
mayaman depressed, pag mahirap wala, wala ka nang pag-asa sa buhay. Ganun ‘yun e.”
Sounds familiar? These statements, which exude utter insensitivity and lack of empathy to
depressed people, were taken from comedian-host Joey de Leon, which we have seen recently
on television and social media. His remarks regarding depression may summarize the common
misconceptions about mental health disorders, which reflects the lack of awareness of Filipinos
about such issues. This reality poses serious dangers that may affect the future state of mental
health awareness in the country.
Students, just like other people, are faced with a lot of work to do every day, which makes
them susceptible to stress. If not given proper attention, this may lead to serious mental health
complications. This is why I believe that a one week mental health break in the University is
necessary for the benefit of the students, and of the country in the long run. Since the benefit is
for everyone, the University is encouraged to give its unreserved support for this program.
Today, we will see how big the problem of mental health is right now in the national and
university level, why and how this should be addressed, and its benefits in the lives of students
the betterment of the country.
According to the Philippine Health Information System on Mental Health, the top three
mental health problems in the Philippines are schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. Based on
2011 data from the World Health Organization, the Philippines had the highest incidence of
depression in Southeast Asia. In 2004 alone, the Department of Health reported 4.5 million cases
of depression, but it is expected that only a third of them will seek psychiatric help, and the other
two thirds will be ashamed to seek help because of the prevailing stigma, which comes from the
lack of awareness and proper knowledge about the reality of the issue.
As Iskolar ng Bayan, most of us are not ignorant about these issues, and because of this,
much is expected from us, now and in the future. But because this goes with exerting too much
efforts to do well in academic and other work, our physical and mental wellbeing may be affected.
Knowing the problem and its possible costs, we are advantaged to have an institution in the
University that promotes mental health and wellness, the Office of Counseling and Guidance.
But looking at the present struggles of every Iskolar ng Bayan, it seems that more should be
done. Having a glimpse of how big the problem is and why this is necessary to be dealt with, the
question now is how do we address this necessity?
Three weeks ago, I have read a certain tweet which says: “Can UP hold a one week mental
health break, no exams, no exercises, no homeworks?” I thought it was a good idea, so I have
adapted this into the main solution, which is that students should be permitted to take a one-
week mental health break per semester.
This is to be ideally done after the middle of the semester, which most UP students refer to
as “hell week.” Students may opt not to come to class, but they are encouraged to join in activities
such as free psychological and/or psychiatric consultations, sports festival and mental health
awareness seminars. No major examinations nor any other academic work must be due the week
after the break.
But in case this comes out to be infeasible, the UP administration must be more proactive
in providing mental health-related services to students through strengthening the Office of
Counseling and Guidance, and the Department of Psychology. It should be taken note, however,
that this is not mutually exclusive with the previous one. In fact, it is better for both of them to
come hand in hand.
Having laid out the problem and the proposed solutions, the concern now is how this will
benefit every Iskolar ng Bayan, and in the long run, the whole nation.
The promotion of mental health awareness in the University through the said activities will
raise more consciousness to students regarding the state of their mental health, and hopefully,
less students will struggle in facing mental health issues. Being not just an Iskolar ng Bayan but
more importantly, an Iskolar para sa Bayan, UP students may contribute in educating their fellow
Filipinos about these issues, that will bring up awareness in the national level. Otherwise, the
current state will just be retained, and UP students may still face the same struggles without the
knowledge that they need about the matter. It is highly probable that the misconceptions will be
perpetuated to the succeeding generations, which may result to people being apathetic and
deeming the issue trivial in the national level.
Having looked through all of these, we have understood that this issue is not simple. We
must realize that the proposed solutions cannot be done just in a snap of a hand because it
needs full support from the University. Because of this, for now, I encourage you to continue
researching about mental health issues, to be more vigilant and open-minded about the state of
mental health in the university and the country, and to help raise awareness, starting with
educating your families and friends about the matter.
In fact, it helps that many celebrities are helping to raise awareness about mental health
issues, such as Nadine Lustre, Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards. Also, by the humble act of
apology of Mr. Joey de Leon, he must have realized that depression and mental health is not
“gawa-gawa lang.” I hope that one day, we won’t rely anymore on our showbiz idols to spark
awareness about mental health issues. Let us keep in mind that these issues are real and
serious, and because of this, for the Iskolar ng Bayan, a week of break matters. Thank you.