Key Points
- Dr. Joemer Maravilla is a researcher specialising in adolescent health. He focuses on understanding factors affecting mental health in young people, including young mothers. Dr. Maravilla works at FiND Network as Research Director and is also a Research Fellow at the Royal Society for Public Health and the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Far Eastern University – Manila.
- Traditional Filipino beliefs often perceive mental illness as a sign of weakness or spiritual imbalance, leading to stigma and shame. As a result, many young Filipinos may suppress their struggles, fearing judgment or rejection from family and peers.
- From the demands of academic success to the widespread impact of social media, young people today encounter a multitude of stressors that can affect their emotional health.
- There are free mental health support services available online or through consultation with a GP.
In an interview with Dr. Joemer Maravilla, a Mental Health Responder and public researcher from Queensland, he shares his findings regarding the mental health of young individuals. Dr. Maravilla highlights the importance of recognising early signs and seeking help promptly.
"In our principle, there's no right timing to seek help. If you feel something is not right from the start, reach out to health professionals immediately," Dr. Maravilla states.
Dr. Maravilla's research also sheds light on factors affecting mental health and behaviors among youth. He stresses the impact of social media, parental lifestyle, and health.
"From a mother's pregnancy, it already affects the child's mental well-being until they grow up.
There are many factors, including social media, bullying, and societal expectations. Also, the support of parents and family plays a significant role," Dr. Maravilla explains.
One of the significant factors influencing mental health among Filipino migrants is the cultural stigma surrounding seeking help. Despite various free mental health services available in Australia, many migrants still struggle to access them.
Dr. Maravilla's research reveals that many Filipinos are hesitant to consult psychologists due to misconceptions that mental health services are only for the wealthy or that problems will eventually resolve on their own.
"In the Philippines, not everyone is interested in seeking treatment or approaching a Psychologist.
Some people think that this is only for the wealthy. And when you have a mental health issue, you need to strengthen your courage; you'll be told to just sleep it off, it will pass. These are the mindsets and cultures that are not easily changed and are the things that migrants still potentially face here.
Additionally, as migrants, we were initially unfamiliar with counselling services here, unlike in the Philippines where you can directly consult a doctor. There's a process here," Dr. Maravilla shares.
He highlights consulting a General Practitioner (GP) as one of the primary ways to access mental health services. GPs can provide vital information and refer individuals to appropriate professionals for assessment.
"If you're stressed, just go to your GP and tell them you need a mental health care plan. They can create a plan for you to access subsidised or free counselling services without the need for detailed explanations. They already know how to help you," Dr. Maravilla suggests.
Furthermore, Dr. Maravilla encourages normalising discussions about mental health in the community, as seeking help should be considered normal.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
"Wag mo nang hintaying lumala": Paano humingi ng tulong kaugnay ng problema sa mental health?
SBS Filipino
19/03/202424:52
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"Kalinga," which translates to 'care' in Filipino, will delve into crucial topics such as health, cultural understanding, and community resilience. With a focus on providing practical insights and fostering a sense of community, the podcast seeks to be a valuable resource for Filipino-Australians navigating the post-COVID-19 era."
