Rethinking mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic; Proceedings of the Fourth Southeast Asia Mental Health Forum, 08-09 October 2020, Philippines

Carl Abelardo T Antonio; Jr Amadeo A Alinea; Luzviminda S Katigbak

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Rethinking mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic; Proceedings of the Fourth Southeast Asia Mental Health Forum, 08-09 October 2020, Philippines

Author: Carl Abelardo T. Antonio ^{1
,

2} ; Amadeo A. Alinea, Jr ³ ; Luzviminda S. Katigbak ³
Author Information

1. Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Ermita, Manila 1000 Philippines
2. Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
3. Philippine Psychiatric Association, Medical Plaza Ortigas Building, San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1600 Philippines
Publication Type:Other Types
MeSH: Mental Health; COVID-19; Asia, Southeastern; Mental Health Services; Philippines
From: Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2020;24(4):79-83
CountryPhilippines
Language:English
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had pervasive effects on society at large, specifically disrupting routine and established processes at the household, organizational, and community levels. The Philippine Psychiatric Association organized the Fourth Southeast Asia Mental Health Forum to discuss issues and share experiences on how this community can respond to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Three common challenges for the mental health community were identified – (a) ensuring the continuity of services for persons with psychiatric disorders in different settings; (b) preventing spread of COVID-19 infection in in-patient or residential mental health facilities; and (c) addressing the emergent demand for mental health services from health workers and the general population experiencing psychological symptoms because of the pandemic situation. In the face of these challenges, two broad groups of good practices and innovations were conceptualized and implemented by professionals and institutions: (a) development of alternative arrangements for the delivery of mental health services; and (b) mobilization of stakeholders and resources to ensure whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches. The lessons and ideas that emerged from the forum may find applicability not only in the next few months during which COVID-19 may persist in our midst (i.e., the “new normal”), but also in other future events that may cause the same level of societal impact and disruption.
Full text:pjhrd 29.pdf