Do not self-assess, mental health expert warns

While stressing the importance of professional consultation, Argamosa said mental experts understand that most people refuse to get helped because of discriminating factors or stigma. (Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash)

MANILA – A mental health expert on Saturday warned the public against self-assessment with regard to their behavioral and mental health issues.

“Google is very helpful in many ways but it is not a doctor.

You may just read the information you get from it, but don’t believe in it fully and follow what it says you to do,” said Dr.

Bernard Argamosa, a psychiatrist at the Department of Health-National Center for Mental Health (DOH-NCMH), in an interview at the Philippine News Agency’s “Pros and Cons” forum.

While stressing the importance of professional consultation, Argamosa said mental experts understand that most people refuse to get helped because of discriminating factors or stigma.

“Takot sila na ikalat ng iba, halimbawa, kapag humingi sila ng tulong sa isang guidance counselor, o sa isang doctor (They’re afraid that other people will talk about them if the consult or seek help of a guidance counselor or doctor),” he added.

Argamosa explained that problems concerning one’s basic functions — intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, performance, and self-care, as a human being could be considered signs and symptoms of mental health problems.

“Look at yourself. Kamusta ang pakikitungo mo sa mga mahal mo sa buhay? Halimbawa, kung ikaw ay (How’s do you treat your loved ones? For example, you’re an) alcoholic with drug problem, definitely, you’ll always fight with family and friends,” he said.

“Look at your academic, social or scholastic functions. How’s your performance at work? If you’re a student, how are your grades? Truancy, or always being absent or late is a sign,” he added.

Argamosa said failure to groom and take care of yourself and lack of motivation in life are other symptoms of deeper mental health issues.

“The mental health issue is so broad that we shouldn’t brand these people, personally, ayaw na ayaw kong nakakarinig ng baliw, sira ulo (I dislike hearing crazy, insane), because these are discriminating terms, these are stigmatizing terms which are not helping our advocacy,” he said.

Stressing the importance of diagnosis of the initial stages of mental disorder, Argamosa said the public must understand that consultations with a psychologist, psychiatrist or a counselor do not mean you are “mentally challenged automatically”.

He added mindfulness is the right attitude every Filipino must have when it comes to mental health concerns especially if you suspect that a family member, a friend or someone you know suffers from it.

“Kailangan bigyan agad ng kaukulang atensiyon at huwag patulan kung hindi unawain kasi kapag kinalaban natin sila lalo silang di makakalabas at lalo silang hindi hihingi ng tulong, humingi man sila ng tulong sa huli, ay huli na (Proper attention must be given, don’t contradict them because they’ll not open up or get help, if ever it will be too late for them to be helped),” he said.

Argamosa also encouraged “those who feel like there is something wrong with them” to call DOH-NCMH’s crisis hotlines – 0917-899-8727 and 0917-989-8727.

“You can call if you simply need someone to talk to, and not necessarily (have an) in depth psychotherapy or counseling,” he said.