Caring for your Mental Health during Home Quarantine

According to the World Health Organization, over two hundred million people across the globe suffer from depression, making it the most widespread disease. And according to the National Center for Mental Health, cases of people having depression in the Philippines may likely spike during the community quarantine.

Dr. RJ Naguit, a mental health advocate of the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians (PSPHP) and the chairperson of the Public Youth for Mental Health Coalition, Inc. says that changes in our routine, financial concerns, and threats brought about by the crisis may cause stress and anxiety leading to depression. To prevent this, he advises maintaining a routine, immersing in hobbies, exercising, journaling, and joining webinars during the lockdown.

It’s important to monitor yourself for odd behaviors that may signify mental disorders, which need to be addressed by mental health professionals. These unusual conditions include:

1. Dysfunction, which alters how one works and cares for others
2. Distress, which makes one view events in a negative light
3. Deviance, which gives rise to behaviors incompatible with one’s personality
4. Danger to self and others

“Kahit wala ka ‘yung 4Ds na ‘yun, if you feel na mayroon kang mental concern that should be discussed, you can consult a mental health professional,” Dr. Naguit said. (Even without experiencing the 4Ds of mental disorders, people with mental concerns may consult a mental health professional.)

Depression may strike anyone regardless of status, age, gender, and race, and it is not always preventable. Although reasons for this global problem are not always known, difficult life situations, substance use, certain medical conditions, poor nutrition, genes, hormonal imbalances, and brain chemistry contribute to mental disorders.