SAS REVIEWERS | 1st Semester |mrn

TOPIC: Mental Health

Date: November 15, 2018

Major points Definition or key concepts Important examples

Participation in
meaningful
activities

Relationships
Discrimination Factors that
affect mental
health

Physical Health Poverty

FACTORS THAT AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH:

1. Relationships
 Social factor that will make you mentally ill – absence or presence of relationship
o Example: Adults or the elderly – the number one factor which contributes to their
mental illness is loneliness, especially in modern societies such as America.
o Biggest mental problem for adult is loneliness
2. Participation in meaningful activities
 Not being able to join or be represented (excluded by society)
3. Poverty
 poor people are also more discriminated ex: black person is followed by security guard in a store
 A review conducted in 2013 found that socioeconomic deprivation had a clear relationship with
mental health problems in childhood and adolescence. Children from socio-economically
disadvantaged families were three times more likely to develop mental health problems
 Unsecured debt has been found to be strongly associated with depression
 Common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are distributed according to a
gradient of economic disadvantage across society with the poorer and more disadvantaged
disproportionately affected from common mental health problems and their adverse
consequences
o People who are marginalized and at a disadvantage experience more mental stress and
issues
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 In addition to poorer physical health, people with mental health problems are more likely to be
homeless, more likely to live in areas of high social deprivation, more likely to have fewer
qualifications, and are less able to secure employment
 A review of population surveys in European countries found that higher numbers of common
mental health problems (i.e. depression and anxiety) are associated with low educational
attainment, material disadvantage and unemployment, and for older people, social isolation
4. Discrimination
 The fundamental Facts can help to challenge myths and stereotypes. One of the most
discriminatory stereotypes that persist is the incorrect association between mental health
problems and violent behavior. The media may play a role in portraying that people with mental
health problems are violent. A 2011 study on discrimination in England reported that 14% of
national newspaper articles addressing mental health issues referred to those with mental
health problems as being a danger to others. “most people with mental health problems are not
violent and most people who are not violent are not mentally ill”

 People with mental health problems are more likely to be victims of violence compared to those
without mental health problems. in a 2013 British survey among persons with severe mental
health problems, it was found that:
o 45% had been victims of crime in the previous year
o 1 in 6 had experienced a violent assault
o People with mental health problems were 3 times more likely to be a victim of assault
and any crime than those without
o Women with severe mental health problems were 10 times more likely to experience
assault than those without
o People with mental health problems were more likely to report that the police had been
unfair to them compared to the general population
 “In the UK, women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders”
o Women report more mental illness than men, because of misogyny and negative
perception about women. There are also more social expectations on how women
should be.
o ex: Victoria secret: discriminate against plus size and trans women
 “these are not our target audience”
 “We are selling fantasy on how to look”
 Poor people and black people are given minimal education and police harasses them
o Ex: ‘random search’
o Ex: the media represents African-American males as hostile
o They are automatically viewed as a threat just because of their race
 Filipinos are not that discriminatory – very integrative, we do not follow racism that much
o Filipinos are the best migrants
o ex: when they go to other culture they assimilate and adjust to the new culture unlike
Chinese who have their own “Chinatown” in places they migrate to
o Filipinos have very weak culture and bow to the other culture.
o We want to change our culture
o Filipinos are the silent minorities – we do not make waves but we conform instead
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5. Physical health – usually goes hand-in-hand with mental health

o 30% of those with long term physical health problems also have mental health problems
and 46% of those with mental health problem also had long-term physical health
problems
o 5 stages of dying or mourning - Denial, anger, bartering (I’ll change phase), resignation
(negative form of acceptance), acceptance (moving on). (no specific timeframe)

The State of Mental Health Worldwide:

 In 2010, mental health and behavioral problems (i.e. depression, anxiety, and drug use) were
reported to be the primary drivers of disability worldwide, causing over 40 million years of
disability in 20 to 29-year-olds
 According to the 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study, the most predominant mental health
problems worldwide are depression and anxiety
o Things which make people anxious nowadays:
 Interaction with people – urban people hate to interact or go out, because of
the environment we grew up in; emergence of northern and southern people
 Isolating themselves
 Money – well-being because things you can buy or options (capabilities
theory – less stress) you have.
 The 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study found major depression to be the second leading
cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to the burden of suicide and heart disease
 Globally, up to 90% of people diagnosed with anxiety and depression are treated with primary-
care. However, there are many individuals who are undiagnosed and therefore do not seek
treatment.
 Mental health is also considered as PWD, but Filipinos do not have concrete knowledge on PWD
 Suicide and self-harm are not mental health problems themselves, but they are linked with
mental distress. There are also certain factors that can make individuals more vulnerable to risk
of suicide. These include:
o Drug and alcohol misuse
o History of trauma or abuse
o Unemployment
o Social isolation
o Poverty
o Poor social conditions
o Imprisonment
o Violence
o Family breakdown - children coming from broken parents or single parents (more likely
to be delinquent, lower performance in academics, more anxiety)
 This generation is more depressed, environmental factors affect physical well-being of people
(pollution, steroids in chicken, plastic in food)
 Women are almost twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders (women
anywhere in the world are 10 times more disadvantaged in the world)
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o India is the most dangerous place in the world for women – women get raped every 6
seconds
 Japanese – do not want to die alone, but there are people who are still isolated even though
they want to die already (suicide groups)
 “in 2012, more than three quarters of deaths by suicide were by men”
o Numbers to death – if you are 65 and up, male – 70% probability that you die a year
later
o In the Philippines, men are 3x more likely to kill themselves than females
o Suicide vs anxiety:
 The first theory in sociology – men are more likely to commit suicide, because of
independence (do not need society or rejected by society = isolation of males)
 Rich are more likely to commit suicide
 Single are more likely to commit suicide than married or in a relationship
 Protestants or Christians are more likely to commit suicide than Catholics
 Protestants are very independent, catholic is more communal
 According to the WHO social determinants of health, including mental health, are the
circumstances in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These conditions are
influenced by the distribution of money, power, and resources operating at global, national, and
local levels.
 Increasingly, there is also the recognition that there may be broader social determinants of
mental health operating, where the application of a social model of health framework would be
more applicable within the mental health sphere.
 November, December, February and march are suicide seasons
o Christmas and valentines magnifies the isolation
 Suicide is the most personal choice a person makes but sociology created patterns
 Mentally ill do not likely commit violence to others, they commit harm to themselves
o NRA sell that mentally ill people are more violent
 1 out of 10 women who commit suicide die, 4 out of 5 men who commit suicide die

Table 1. Examples of determinants of mental health

Society Community Family Individual

Equality vs. Personal safety Family structure Lifestyle factors
discrimination
Unemployment levels Housing and access to Family dynamics (i.e. Attributional style (i.e.
open space high/low expressed how events are
emotion) understood)
Social coherence Economic status pf the Genetic makeup Debt vs. financial
community security
Education Isolation Intergenerational Physical health
contact
Health care provision neighbourliness Parenting Individual relationships
and responses to those
(Mcgulloch and Goldie, 2010)
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 Education, particularly targeting women and new mothers can help manage problems such as
infant mortality, poor cognitive and physical development, malnutrition, conduct problems, and
emotional and mental health problems.
 Universal promotion and prevention interventions for high-school students have been found to
be effective on a range of outcomes. Interventions, such as skills-oriented interventions, are
effective in improving social and emotional skills, enhancing self-perceptions, and reducing
emotional distress (including depression, anxiety, and stress)

November 29, 2018

Coverage for Monday exam

 2 readings – De guia kapwa the self and the other; Maggay pahiwatig (module 9)
 Filipino values – PPT
 Mental health (mental health foundation _ fundamental facts on mental health introduction)

TOPIC: Filipino Family Values: Customs and Traditions

 The Filipino Family: Multicultural

o Chinese Spanish, Malayan, Indonesian, South Asian, American & Muslim cultural
influences
 Colonial
o Colonialism stripped Filipino women of their position. They were expected to remain
within the home and only concern themselves with housework and raising children.
o The ideal woman was “Maria Clara” in the mold of Jose Rizal’s tragic heroine from Noli
Me Tangere – meek and self-effacing. But despite this, many women showed the strong
will and determination that would allow them to go beyond social constraints and move
on equal footing with men
o In rural communities, kin members can build their household dwellings close to each
other, which may not be possible in the city
o Filipinos who move away to study or work in cities, locally, and abroad, tend to stay with
their more affluent relatives, and this increases the size of the family household.
 Post-colonial
o As societies modernize, social relationships become more impersonal and businesslike
o At the same time, less religiously oriented and more scientifically grounded
o Western models continue to dominate development circles
o Moreover, the modern Filipino family continues to be close knit and centered on the
family. relationships among extended kin continue to be marked by reciprocal
obligations and privileges even across great geographic distances
o Filipino parents consider it their duty to provide foe the material and educational needs
of their children
o Children, in turn, are expected to obey and respect their parents and to take care of
their parents when they grow old
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o Also, older children, until they marry and have families of their own, are expected to
help younger siblings with school, and to assist them in getting a job after graduation.
o Believe in the following values
 Bayanihan
 Close family ties
 Pakikisama
 Hiya
 Utang na loob
 Amor propio or concern for self-image: delicadeza
 Sense of honor o Palabra de Honor: “word of honor”
o Although these traits are generally positive, these practices also have the inclination to
be applied in the wrong context. A debt of gratitude is sometimes repaid by giving
special favors to the other person regardless of the moral outcome. Close familial ties
can also lead to favoritism.
o Once a couple is married, keeping the relationship intact remains the number one
priority, regardless of any indiscretions such as extramarital affairs
 “Divorce is illegal in the Philippines… A mistress on the side, even another child
or two outside”
o Society tends to hold the marriage vows sacred; whatever the man’s extramarital habits
might be, he is expected to support his family and not humiliate them through
abandonment or by flaunting his behavior
o “The woman is expected to be loyal to her marriage and to strive to maintain it”
(Gochenour 1990:19-20)
o Decision – making
 Traditional Filipino families often consult each other about when making
important decisions
 “Going to college, taking a job overseas, and getting married may sometimes be
individual decisions, but quite often they are family decisions” (Gochenour
1990:18-19)
 Actual family involvement in personal decision making has decreased for the
most of those surveyed
o Hospitality
 “ inspite of limited resources, Filipinos hel friends and relatives and they
welcome visitors with warmth and plenty of food” (Sustento-Seneriches 1995:
121)
 Most Filipino families have remained hospitable and generous to visiting friends
and relatives
o The Filipino, compared with Westeners, prefers a “structured” way of life rather than
one in which he can be assertive of his own individuality.
o Thus, a westerner will find the Filipino less autonomous and more dependent. This is
because of the social concept of the Filipino self-esteem. His concept of self is identified
with his family.
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o Right from childhood he is made to believe that he belongs to the family. Since
childhood, a Filipino is encouraged to tell all of his thoughts to his parents and submit to
his parents’ direction, counsel and advice.
o He is admonished to be good because any disgrace that he commits is a disgrace to the
family. In times of misfortune he is assured of his family’s support, sympathy and love.
o Religious responsibility, for example, is familial rather than church-centered. Each home
has a family shrine.
o The influence of the family upon economic and entrepreneurial business activities is also
great. The so-called “corporations” found in urban areas are generally family holdings.
The prevailing family structures emphasizes loyalty, and support of the family, not of
any higher level of social organization
 Filipino values
o Centrality of the family
o Acceptance of uncertainty
o Ability to relate to others
o Respect offered according to a person’s place in the structure of hierarchical relations
o Adaptability
o Religiosity
 Values
o Values can be inculcated but are more enduring when taught
o Values formation which is vital to the socialization skills of an individual can be
developed and nurtures in the family, school and environment.
o Values may include obtaining knowledge, wisdom, and necessary skills, using them in
your home and living out the values you acquire within the family.

Strengths and weaknesses

1. Paggalang
 It means being respectful or giving due respect for a person. Filipinos are accustomed to using
words “po”, “opo”, and “ho” when they are conversing with older people or sometimes to
people with higher position or status in the society. Using these words is customary in the
Philippines and it shows sign of respect. PAggalang can also be given to the elders by virtue of
kissing their hands before leaving and upon arrival. Younger member of the family gives due
respect to older siblings by calling them kuya (brother) or ate (older sister)
2. Pakikisama
 Or getting along well with people – The yearning of the Filipinos to be accepted and well-liked
by his friends, colleagues, boss and even relatives steers them to perform pakikisama. The word
pakikisama means helping others. The trait usually fosters cooperation and doing good deeds
which are favorable to other people
3. “Utang na Loob” or Debt of gratitude
 Or debt of gratitude – usually a system of obligation, when applied it gives duty and
responsibility on the part of the young siblings to serve and repay the favors done to them
sooner or later.
4. Pagpapahalaga sa Pamilya or Putting importance to family
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 Or putting importance to the family – this implies that a person will put a high regard and
concern over the family before anything else. This is one of the reasons why a father or a
mother in a Filipino family will seek employment abroad just to earn decent earnings for their
family to meet the family’s basic needs and want.
5. “Hiya” or shame
 This controls the social behavior of Filipino. It is a value that makes a Filipino be obedient and be
respectful to parents, older siblings and authorities. It is also a key ingredient to the loyalty of
one’s family.
6. Pakikipagkapwatao – overall Filipino value
 Filipinos – open to others and feel one with others, regard others with dignity and respect, deal
with them as fellow human beings
 Ability to empathize with others
o Filipinos are very emphathetic, free to exhibit feelings
o EX: Filipino – always smiling, naturally smiling because we are social.
o Russian culture – smiling trainers, people who smile are stupid.
o Pakikipagkapwatao is a foundation for unity as well the sense of social justice
o Utang na loob plays a vital role
 Basic sense of justice and fairness
 Concern for others
 Helpfulnessand generosity in times of need (pakikiramay); practice of bayanihan or mutual
assistance; Filipino hospitality
 DEPENDENT – keyword
7. Family orientation
 Kahihiyan – always in reference of the family
 Source of personal identity, emotional and material support
8. Joy and Humour
 “manifested in the filipino’s love for socials and celebration, to laugh even in the most trying of
times… The result is a certain emotional balance, optimism; a healthy disrespect for power and
office and he capacity to survive
 Filipinos have a cheerful and fun-loving approach to life and its downs
 “…pleasant disposition; a sense of humor and a propensity for heappiness that contribute not
only to the Filipino charm but also to the indomitability of the Filipino spirit.
 Laughing at ourselves and the mess we are in is an important coping mechanism … playful;
sometimes , disrespectful; we laugh at those we love and at those we hate and we make jokes
about our good fortune and bad
 Other cultures wonder why Filipinos are always laughing and happy
 Ex: Filipinos automatically smile when saying good morning
 EX: joy and humour in disasters, corruption in the Philippines, traffic (PUN)
 Pun – linguistics; because we have over 80 dialects.
 Laughing at ourselves
o We can laugh at ourselves but we do not want other cultures to laugh at us
 Manifested in Filipino’s love for socials and celebrations
9. Flexibility, adaptability, and creativity
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 We can adjust and to adapt to circumstances and the surrounding environment; both physical
and social; adjusts to whatever happens even in unplanned or anticipated events. We possess a
tolerance for ambiguity that enables us to remain unfazed by uncertainty or lack of information
 Creative, resourceful. Quick learners; can improvise and make use of whatever is at hand in
order to create and produce; accepts change; adapts to life in any part of the worls, in the ability
to make new things out of old scraps. Creative in cultural sphere
 The result is productivity, innovation, entrepreneurship, equanimity and survival
 Don’t use “resilient”
 Since Filipinos experience a lot of hardships we are very adaptable
 We are very capable of innovating, but not originators
 Very resourceful, finding new ways and means
 The cost of the worst pollution is the first world countries, and they are the ones who use more
energy
 Filipinos – 3000-4000 calories a day; first class country – 40,000 calories (energy converted to
calories)
10. Hard work and industry
 We have the capacity for hard work given proper conditions – to raise one’s standard of living
and to possess the essesntials of a decent life for one’s family.
o no one has the right to tell Filipinos that we are lazy
 we are willing to take the reisks with jobs abroad and, while there, to work at two or three jobs
 the result is productivity and entrepreneurship for some and survival despite poverty
 “pag-aako ng trabaho”
11. Faith and religiosity
 Our faith and daring was manifested at EDSA and other times in our history; seen in the capacity
to accept failure and defeat
 We recognize forces external to ourselves as contributing to how events in our lives turn out
 The result of the Filipino’s faith are courage, daring optimism, inner peace
 Religious – everything is difficult to explain “I don’t understand” – miracle
o Religion gives meaning to the suffering
o We need religion to keep us sane
 Secular – everything is predictable because of science, infrastructure
 Faith
o Example “Inglesia ni Cristo – voting
 Sociological perspective of religion
o Roman gods – big population
o Jewish Christians – small population
o Plague in Rome – they left because there was suffering. Small jewish Christian
community did not leave because they helped even if there was risk. There were more
survivors because there were helpers. This caused transition from roman gods to
Christians because there was a “good God”
12. Ability to survive
 Filipinos have an ability to survive
 Filipinos make do with what is available in the environment
 … basic optimism, flexibility, and adaptability, hard work and a deep faith in God
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 It is manifested in the millions of Filipinos who bravely live through the hardest economic and
social circumstances.
 Ex: prostitution

Weaknesses

1. Extreme personalism; Filipinos view the world in terms of personal relationships

 There is in fact some basis for such interpretations such as Filipinos are quite personal in
criticism and praise
 Personalism is also manifestes in the necessity for the establishment of personal relationships
before any business or work relationships can be successful.
 Because of the personalistic world view, Filipinos have difficulty dealing with all forms of
personal stimuli
 We tend to be uncomfortable with bureaucracy, with rules and regulations and with standard
procedures, all of which tend to be impersonal
 We tend to ignore them or we ask for exceptions
 Walang personalan – does not exist
 Suki – business is still personal
 Hire family relations because of utang na loob
 Mayor – nagpapapiyesta, so people vote for him because everything is personal
 Family businesses – familial
 Criminal affiliations are also family – gangsters, narcos, Italian mafia
 Filipinos are personal in criticism and praise – ex: tumaba ka; social (subject to interpretation)
 Problem in Filipino workforce – pagsipsip; example: promotion is still social dahil sa sipsip or
connection (subject to interpretation)
 Anak ng diyos
 We tend to be uncomfortable with bureaucracy with rules and regulations and with standard
procedures
o We hire fixers
 We tend to ignore them or we ask for exceptions
 The best fundraisers – socialites;
 Personal contacts are involved in any transaction and these are difficult to turn down
 Preference is usually given to family and friends in hiring, delivery of services and even in voting
 Extreme personalism thus leads to the graft and corruption evident in the Philippine society
2. Extreme family centeredness