Purpose This study aims to discuss the mental health in the Philippines and the existing laws and health policies governing mental health care among Filipino older adults with serious mental illnesses. Design/methodology/approach The study used health policy research to understand the issues and gaps in the Philippine mental health-care system among older adults. The study used deductive methods (based on testing specific hypotheses) and inductive methods of inquiry (based on the formation of general inferences), which are necessary but insufficient for theory development without retroductive reasoning. The researcher believes that critical realism provides a philosophically grounded theoretical framework that can be used to underpin research into causal mechanisms such as in health policy analysis. Findings Mental health is integral to holistic health. The commitment to improve mental health services is highlighted in the recent legislative actions of policymakers. Mental health professionals and experts suggest that failure to address mental health and psycho-social problems in a population will hinder attempts to increase social capital, promote human development and reduce poverty. Originality/value A disregard for mental health is still apparent. The norm in the Philippines continues to include a chronic shortage of mental health professionals, an inadequate number of mental health facilities and hospitals, a lack of accessible and equitable mental health-care services and treatment, especially for marginalized sectors, and stigma, discrimination and social exclusion against people with mental health conditions are still very widespread. Some people refuse even to get help and treatment for their mental disorders not because of the high cost of treatment but because of the stigma attached to mental disorders.
Read full abstract