Wider coverage for benefits on mental health pushed

Senator Risa Hontiveros and former Miss International Kylie Verzosa led the campaign to boost mental health awareness as they call on health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to provide wider coverage on benefits dealing with mental health.

"There is an encouragement in the mental health law that calls for HMOs to include and expand specific mental health conditions," says Hontiveros, who was guest of honor, during the Mental Health Matters Fair held at Crown Spaces, a co-working and event space, in Makati City August 18.

Hontiveros adds: "There are human resources directors who tell me that they are really hesitant to hire people with mental condition not just in the schools, not just in our families, not just in government but also in the workplace and private sector. There is a stigma or discrimination to be broken."

"People with mental condition have the right to education, right of work and live optimally so we need to end that attitude," the senator says.

Verzosa, who organized the event, says that the advocacy on mental health is very close to her heart because she suffered from depression four years ago.

"Four years ago I was diagnosed as clinically depressed. No one knew but my family, and I suffered and survived in silence. When given the opportunity to speak about it, I took it, even when I was discouraged and told to focus on more visible and popular advocacies. This is very personal to me," she says.

Verzosa adds: "This is for everyone who’s suffered from depression, mood disorders, anxiety, bipolar disorder or any form of mental illness. You are not alone. I once thought I was crazy, or maybe I still am. Who knows, we all need a bit of insanity to succeed. But it’s okay. Being honest about how you feel doesn’t make us weak, it makes us human."

The international beauty queen also encouraged people suffering from depression to seek help. “Get help. Speak to someone. Let’s speak up more about mental health, before it’s too late.”

Mental Health Matters had its humble beginnings as a mere online information campaign, spreading awareness by sharing both research on the subject as well as coping strategies.

Since then,Verzosa, together with the other members of her organization, have been invited to render seminars in person to several schools and businesses regarding the advocacy.

"The group wishes to educate the public on the reality of mental health in the world and in the country today," says Verzosa. - ROBERT REQUINTINA