Free Essay

Depression of Women in the Philippines

In:

Submitted By mpjbg
Words 893
Pages 4
Gonzales, Maricara Patricia Jan B. July 7, 2015
English 3

Passing the Mental Health Act: A Vital Step towards Addressing the Higher Incidence of Depression in Women in the Philippines

What happens when it hurts too much to live? Unlike temporary bouts of sadness, depression is a constant lingering feeling that can propel people to their death (Tracy, 2013). It can develop in anyone, regardless of race, culture, social class, age, or gender. However, across virtually all cultures and socioeconomic classes, women are more likely to experience depression than men. Clinical depression affects 2-3 times as many women as men in many societies around the world. It is estimated that 1 out of every 8 women will suffer from clinical depression in her lifetime (Public Broadcasting Service, 2008).

A variety of factors unique to women's lives are suspected to play a role in developing depression. Women are particularly vulnerable to depression after giving birth. Many new mothers experience a brief episode of mild mood changes known as the “baby blues,” but some will suffer from postpartum depression, a much more serious condition (National Institute of Mental Health, 2009).

It is also reported that sexual and physical abuses, which are higher in women, are major risk factors for depression (Goodwin, 2010). Women molested as children are more likely to have clinical depression at some point in their lives. A higher incidence of depression among women who have been raped as adolescents or adults have been perceived as well. Similarly, women who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual harassment on the job, may also experience higher rates of depression. Moreover, certain events in their life such as a loss of a spouse or being unmarried are also risk factors for developing depression (National Institute of Mental Health, 2000).

Although it affects both men and women, the burden of depression is 50% higher for women than men (World Health Organization, 2012). According to the latest Global Burden of Disease study, clinical depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. It is a major contributor to the burden of suicide; and coronary heart disease which can lead to heart attack (Brooks, 2013).

In the Philippines, the prevalence of depression is twice as high among women compared to men. In 2004, there were 6.7 million cases of clinical depression in women, as opposed to only 3.2 million cases in men. Consequently, women were 2-3 times more susceptible to commit suicide (Reyes, 2004).

According to the latest report by the Philippine Psychiatric Association, there is a shortage of psychiatrists in the country. Moreover, treatment is expensive. The gap is partially filled by non-profit organizations providing services for the depressed (Buan, 2013). These include, the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation and I Am The Issue, which are both pioneered by women who both had personal battles against the disease.

Since depression is only a clause under a law, the government cannot give funding specifically for people suffering from it. Thus, the Department of Health has proposed to pass the Mental Health Act. This law will provide funding and will allow implementation of policies regarding depression (Buan, 2013). Its approval will instill mental health consciousness among people, and foster the greater support needed by women. Consequently, it will give way to the formation of an institution which is centered towards helping women with depression. Depression is highly treatable; and together, we can give hope to these women. (American Psychological Association, 2015). "When I is replaced by we, even illness becomes wellness."

References

American Psychological Association. (2015). Understanding depression and effective treatment. Retrieved on July 6, 2015 from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/understanding-depression.aspx.

Brooks, M. (2013, November 6). Depression Now World's Second Leading Cause of Disability. Medscape Medical News. Retrieved on June 27, 2015 from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/813896.

Buan, L. (2013, July 7). Depressed? It's not enough to just talk to friends. GMA News Online. Retrieved on June 27, 2015 from http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/317363/lifestyle/healthandwellness/depressed-it-s-not-enough-to-just-talk-to-friends.

Goodwin, T. (2010). Management of Common Problems in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Retrieved on June 27, 2015 from https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=6vMopyn84isC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2000). Depression: What Every Woman Should Know. Retrieved on June 27, 2015 from http://www.bellevuehospital.org.jm/pdf/depression_what_every_woman_should_know.pdf.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2009). Women and Depression. Retrieved on June 27, 2015 from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/women-and-depression-discovering-hope/depression-what-every-woman-should-know_34628.pdf.

Public Broadcasting Service. (2008). Depression Out of the Shadows. Retrieved on June 27, 2015 from http://www-tc.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/depression/pdf/dep_women.pdf.

Reyes, M. (2004). Engendering Philippine Mental Health. Review of Women's Studies, 14(2), 2. Retrieved on June 27, 2015 from http://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/rws/article/viewFile/2910/2684.

Tracy, N. (2013, July 7). What’s the Difference between Sadness and Depression? Healthline. Retrieved on July 1, 2015 from http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/bipolar-bites/whats-difference-between-sadness-depression.

World Health Organization. (2012). Depression: A Global Public Health Concern. Retrieved on June 27, 2015 from http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/who_paper_depression_wfmh_2012.pdf.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Progressive Era Through the Great Depression

...Progressive Era through the Great Depression Progressive Era through the Great Depression There are distinctive historical periods that define the United States; two of them are the Progressive Era and the Great Depression. The Progressive Era was a period where the United States moved from nearly zero technology to a technology boom, otherwise known as the Industrial Age. The Great Depression followed the Progressive Era because, in my opinion, like today’s economic problems, too many people were extended opportunities via credit that they did not previously have, and were not given the education that would teach them how to use it or how quickly it would change from a blessing to a burden. Advertising became huge during the consumerism period. It promised a better life and what that better life should look like. Some items made life easier, like cars, while some items were frivolous, like the phonograph. Credit became a way of life, instead of saving up for those luxury items, credit made getting them instantaneous. This has become the way of life for America and is the reason why we get in trouble over and over again. Stocks soared when the banks devised a way to make the stock market look safer than it actually was. Much like the recent housing bubble; stocks raised far above their actual value which lead to the ultimate stock market crash. Women finally won the right to vote in 1920 (Schultz, 2011). I believe that women in the western states earned the right...

Words: 904 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Homosexuality in the Philippines: Various Factors and Its Corresponding Effects on Ahomosexual

...HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE PHILIPPINES: VARIOUS FACTORS AND ITS CORRESPONDING EFFECTS ON AHOMOSEXUAL As partial fulfillment Of the requirements In ENGLISH 2 Submitted by: Monica E. Revadulla U – 4R March 10, 2011 Topic: Effects of different factors in the Philippines on a homosexual Thesis Statement: Knowing the physical, spiritual and social factors and their corresponding effects on a homosexual in the Philippines, homosexuals must be accepted and must be treated fairly in the Philippine society. I. Homosexuality A. Definition of homosexuality B. Origin of homosexuality 1. Biological theories 2. Socio-cultural factors 3. Psychological theories C. Types of homosexuals 1. Lesbian a. Butch (Male role) b. Femme (Female role) 2. Gay II. Effects of different factors in the Philippines on homosexuals A. Physical factors 1. Physical abuse and violence a. Develops trauma b. Makes it hard for them to trust people 2. Spanked to death by their own parents B. Spiritual factors 1. Moral condemnation a. Becomes atheist in nature b. Feels confusion when it comes to religion 2. The “Homosexuality is a sin” saying a. Doesn’t go to mass and confession b. Disbelief in God’s existence C. Social factors 1. Thrown away by their families a. Tends to be independent b. Develops hatred 2. Suffers discrimination a. Becomes an introvert b. Develops mistrust in people c. Finds difficulty in fitting in with the society 3. Rejected and made fun of a. Experiences paranoia ...

Words: 3929 - Pages: 16

Free Essay

Research Paper About Depression

...Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila Main Causes and Effects of Depression to Students in Polytechnic University of the Philippines School Year 2013-2014 Debaloy, Phoebe Blanche J. Dela Cruz, Fe Amor M. Pajado, Maricris Q. Yap, May Concepcion A. BSA 1-27 Professor Jerahmeel Christine E. Torrefranca January 17, 2014 Chapter 1 The Problem and Its Background Introduction Depression, also known as major depression, clinical depression or major depressive disorder is a medical illness that causes a constant feeling of sadness and lack of interest. Depression affects how the person feels, behaves and thinks. (Nordqvist 1) Furthermore, depression can lead to emotional and physical problems. Typically, people with depression find it hard to go about their day-to-day activities, and may also feel that life is not worth living. A person who is depressed feels hopeless and becomes unmotivated to do anything. Even simple things like rising in the bed in the morning or eating become large obstacles in daily life. It persists and interferes with their everyday life. This is, perhaps, because of lack of social support, death or loss of a loved one, relationship problems, financial strain, bad grades or problem with Profs, being bullied or feeling like outcaste in every aspect in life. Whatever form of depression, students are experiencing; the purpose of this research is to know the main causes of depression to students especially to PUPians...

Words: 1028 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

From Boom to Depression

...Running head: A new deal to recovery From Boom to Depression HIS105: Contemporary U.S. History May 10, 2012 From Boom to Depression The period after the civil war was a time of physical, economic, social, political and geographical reconstruction for the United States of America. The nation had experienced mark destruction by the civil war. Slaves were now emancipated and must be considered. These events were marked turning points for the country. Of these turning points, the social security act and the 19th amendment were most influential in that they initiated an act of government that is still practiced today. 1. Identify at least (2) two major historical turning points in the period under discussion. The 19th Amendment The woman’s fight for their own equality and for others was not an easy one. It can be traced as far back to the first woman’s right convention in Seneca Falls, New York in July of 1848. It was here that the woman suffrage movement was launched and the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) was born. Some of the key sponsors for the launch were courageous women such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia. Contributors to the movement were also abolitionists, whose goals at the time were to include equal rights for all, including that of the Negro male. In 1870, their fight was partially won with the passage of the 15th amendment to the Constitution, thus giving the Negro male the right to vote. The passing of the...

Words: 1962 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Progressive Era Through the Great Depession

...Progression Era through the Great Depression was a time of many accomplishment as well as many disasters. Two major historical turning points that occurred during this time were the Women’s Right Movement and the Stock Market Crash. There were also many pieces of legislations passed during this time. All of these had a major impact on the economy, politics and culture of America. The woman suffrage movement actually began in 1848, when the first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York. For the next 50 years, woman suffrage supporters worked to educate the public about the validity of woman suffrage. Under the leadership of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and other women’s rights pioneers, suffragists circulated petitions and lobbied Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment to enfranchise women (Reforming their World:Women in the Progressive Era, 2007). Leadership of the suffrage movement passed to two organizations. The first, the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), under the leadership of Carrie Chapman Catt, was a moderate organization. The NAWSA undertook campaigns to enfranchise women in individual states, and simultaneously lobbied President Wilson and Congress to pass a woman suffrage Constitutional Amendment (Schultz, 2012). The second group, the National Woman’s Party (NWP), under the leadership of Alice Paul, was a more militant organization. The NWP undertook radical actions, including picketing the White House...

Words: 1239 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Progressive Era Through Great Depression

...Progressive Era through the Great Depression For this assignment I will discuss the major turning points in American history between the Progressive Era and the Great Depression. Analyze how some historical events shape America’s current society, economy, politics, and culture. Describe ways that women and minorities have responded to challenges and made contributions to American culture. Recognize and discuss the ways that formal policies of government have influenced the direction of historical and social development in the United States. Analyze the rise of the United States to a world “super-power” and how that status has shaped its internal developments in recent decades. Identify how changes in social and economic conditions and technology can cause corresponding changes in the attitudes of the people and policies of the government. Identify at least (2) two major historical turning points in the period under discussion. The first major historical turning point was the changing roles of women. Women won the right to vote with the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, one of the final great reforms of the Progressive era. A group of congressmen proposed an Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution in 1923. It states: “Men and women shall have equal rights throughout the United States and every place subject to its jurisdiction” (Schultz, 2012 p.379). The amendment’s objective was to eliminate all legal distinctions between the sexes, such as those who permitted different...

Words: 1284 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

The Fifth Commandment: the Violations of the Dignity of Human Life

...strengthens us individually, but specially as members of the mystical Body of Christ, the Church thus becoming a "people of life" But we are a people not only of life but also for life. Human Life is sacred because it is a gift given by God without any return. Some people forget about it by aborting an innocent life. Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy before birth, resulting in, or accompanied by the death of the fetus. But more than merely ending pregnancy, abortion is the "the deliberate and direct killing, by whatever means it is carried out, of a human being in the initial phase of his or her existence , extending from conception to birth. Nowadays early pregnancy is rapidly increasing here in the Philippines. According to the UNFPA Philippines pregnancy among girls under age of 20 is increased by 65 percent over a 10-year period, from 2000-2010, despite a reverse trend in teen marriages, which is on the decline, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).Also the most...

Words: 1877 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Asian Contract Workers In California

...immigrants, Filipinos have a unique position as American nationals, allowing them to migrate and make them valuable labor in California. Filipinos believe that the United States will give them independence and launch an independent war against the United States. Although the Philippine American War ended formally in 1902, the remnants of various resistive groups continued to fight until 1913. Once the Philippines became American territory, Filipinos became American nationals. They do not have the rights of American citizens, but they have the right to live and work in the United States or any American territory. As the only Asian immigrant group that could legally enter the United States, Filipinos quickly became one of the main sources of cheap labor in California in the 1920s. By 1930, nearly 45,000 Filipinos in the United States lived nearly two-thirds in California. Like other Asian immigrant groups, Filipinos are strongly discriminated against by whites and violence. The white working class felt particularly threatened by the Philippine labor force because the peasants paid the wages of the Filipinos significantly lower than the white workers. In addition, white Americans see Philippine men as sex competition. Popular recreational activities on the farm labor force include swimming pool hall and taxi banquet hall in cities such as San Francisco, Salinas and Stockton. In the ballroom of the taxi, the young man will buy a ten-minute ticket, a young lady to buy a...

Words: 860 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

History - Short Assignments

...Assignment 1 How was the south changed? The chief accomplishment of the new south was the expansion of textile production, as the number of cotton mills grew from 161 to 400. There was also an increase in the lumber industry, coal production, and tobacco growth. Although, the majority of southern farmers were not flourishing, which caused sharecropping and tendancy to increase between blacks and whites. The bourbons perfected a political alliance with northern conservatives and economic alliance with northern capitalists. They also reduced state expenditures and public debt. Attitudes about race became more strongly felt and the prospect of an electoral alliance between poor whites and blacks that could threaten the power structure became a possibility, so the southern states came up with various ways to disenfranchise blacks. Also, “Jim Crow” laws were enacted to mandate public separation of the races. Legalized segregation reinforced the notions of white racial superiority and African-American inferiority, creating an atmosphere that encouraged violence, and during the 1890s lynching’s of blacks rose significantly. Define the New West. After 1865, the federal government encouraged western settlement and economic exploitation. The transcontinental railroads opened the western half of the nation to economic development and created an interconnected national market. Needing rapid communication, companies built telegraph lines along the railroad as the track was laid...

Words: 5444 - Pages: 22

Premium Essay

World War Ll Through the 1970s

...2013 Americans at first tried to stay out of the war, but this became less feasible as Hitler’s aggression continued. In the United States, the Great Depression had provoked a strong drift toward isolationism. The trend was already manifested in the American rejection of League of Nations following World War I, but during the depression many Americans remained preoccupied by domestic affairs. For more reasons why many Americans resisted involvement in European affairs. Their memories of the First world war made many Americans leery to get involved in European affairs. In 1914, Americans watched as a dizzying series of alliances led one nation into battle with another, without any apparent justification. The brutality of the first World War further made Americans shy away from any involvement in European affairs (Shultz, 2012) The Great Depression was a second reason why Americans favored isolationism before the second World war. The Great Depression deepened this isolationism most Americans were simply to focused on improving life in the United States to advocate getting involved in diplomatic disputes abroad. Respect for Hitler was the third reason why American favored isolationism, Adolf Hitler who had plucked Germany from its own economic depression in record time. By the late 1930s, American icons like the aviator Charles Lindbergh argued that the Nazis were unstoppable under the leadership of Hitler and that the United States should...

Words: 1574 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

English

...Definition In its most literal sense, discrimination is the act of making a distinction between one thing and other. We discriminate between things on a daily basis. For example, in order for you to get dressed you have to discriminate among your pants so that you could find the correct pair to put on. You also have to be able to make a distinction between the socks in your drawers so that you could find a matching pair. In the legal sense, discrimination means something different. Discrimination is the unequal or unfair treatment of a person based upon some personal characteristic. It is important to note that not all forms of discrimination are illegal. Discrimination by Type Learn about the various types of discrimination prohibited by the laws enforced by EEOC. We also provide links to the relevant laws, regulations and policy guidance, and also fact sheets, Q&As, best practices, and other information. * Age * Disability * Equal Pay/Compensation * Genetic Information * Harassment * National Origin * Pregnancy * Race/Color * Religion * Retaliation * Sex * Sexual Harassment Beethoven For a musician to lose his hearing is the greatest possible misfortune. Yet, despite the inevitable frustration, it didn’t stop Beethoven composing some of the most sublime pieces of music in the history of man. Malala Yousafzai (1997 )– Pakistani schoolgirl who defied threats of the Taliban to campaign for the right to education. She survived being shot...

Words: 719 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

“the Progressive Era Through the Great Depression” | |

...| “The Progressive Era through the Great Depression” | | | History 105 Professor | 11/11/2012 | In this essay, I will review the major turning points in our nation’s history during the period of “The Progressive Era through the Great Depression”. I will talk about how women in the West earned the right to vote in the frontier states before the eastern and southern states. We will analyze the impact of two major historical turning points on America’s society, economy, politics, and culture. Next we will look at the legislation in the Roosevelt–Taft–Wilson progressive era years, and show how that has influenced the business of today since the time of its inception. We will review how the Spanish American war laid the foundation for which America would develop its empire. Lastly, we will discuss some ways the Boom and Bust of the Roaring Twenties followed by The Great Depression affected the federal government’s involvement with the national economy. | During the reformist movement, urbanization brought people to the cities for work opposed to the traditional farming communities or villages’ people lived and worked in prior to the Progressive Era. With this change occurring in society, there came much needed changes in the way we came together as a community to provide the necessities, which would allow our new families, and communities to prosper. With America’s expansion to the west under the Homestead Act, “any man or woman twenty-one...

Words: 798 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Ulupong

...beginning of a chapter of my life to build and achieve my dreams with my partner.” – Rose Romea, Married 3. ” Ang kasal ay legal na pag-iisa ng dalawang tao upang bumuo ng isang pamilya. Ito ang nagbubuklod sa mga taong handing humarap sa responsibilidad ng pagiging magulang.” Marlene Baurile, Married Sociological Explanation 1. Marriage is legally spiritually and religiously accepted in the society. - The Functionalist Perspective 2. Nowadays, there are lovers who live in the same roof without getting married. - The Conflict Perspective 3. All people are expecting that once a woman and a man are stable there are ready to settle down they will get married. - The Symbolic Interaction 2. The Domestic Role of Women Naturalistic Explanation 1. 2 3. Sociological Explanation 1. 2. 3. 3. Poverty Naturalistic Explanation 1. “Poverty is a situation where in a person experience difficulty in life. For example, lack of food or money. If a person was not able to sustain a good life in many aspects, he or she is experiencing so called poverty.” – Rhea Lyn Cesma 2.” Poverty is when you feel empty, without and within. It is when you have nothing, not just money but everything.” – Patricia Dimaculangan, Student 3. Poverty in terms of the economy is any status hitting the economy line. It is when a person can no longer sustain their basic needs. – Aya Camañag, Student Sociological Explanation 1. Poverty is...

Words: 669 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Divorce Should Be Legalized in the Philippines

...Divorce should be legalized in the Philippines Divorce. The dissolution of marriage. The termination of a marital union. The cancelling and reorganizing of the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage. The dissolution of matrimony between a married couple. In more simpler terms, the end. The end of a couple’s marriage or their so called ‘forever.’ Within our fast-changing society, we are also susceptible to change. A change in our physique, our mind, our views, and even in our relations. One of the reasons why divorce is being implemented on other countries. They felt the change. The change in one’s marital association. Some, specially the hopeless romantic, say that their marriage is the epitome of their lives. But one’s life is never perfect unless we feel that it IS perfect. But what if that perfection turned into a living nightmare? Would you still be happy? Will you be oblivious with the things thrown in front of your face? Violence, infidelity, abandonment, and lies. These are my main reasons of supporting GABRIELA Women's Party representatives Luzviminda C. Ilagan and Emerenciana A. De Jesus with House Bill No. 1799, or an Act of Legalizing Divorce in the Philippines. An Act Introducing Divorce in the Philippines amending for the Purpose Title II, Articles 55 to 66 Inclusive and Article 26 of Executive Order of 209, as amended otherwise known as the Family Code of the Philippines and repelling Article 36 of the Same Code and for other purposes. What are the...

Words: 1932 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Essay On Birth Satisfaction

...BIRTH SATISFACTION SCALE AS APPLIED AMONG FILIPINO WOMEN DURING INTRAPARTUM WHO DELIVERED IN LYING-IN CLINICS Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND Childbirth is an important life event in a parent's life, and as such is a multifaceted experience. The mother's satisfaction during the birthing process is the most frequently reported indicator in the evaluation of the quality of maternity services (Bowman et.al, 1992). A positive birth experience is associated with an increased mother-child bond and maternal abilities, and contributes to her sense of accomplishment and self-esteem (Goodman, Mackey, and Tavakoli, 2004). In contrast, Beck (2004) contends that a negative birth experience can make the mother feel distraught and have a negative impact on her mental health, increasing the risk of postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The study aims to evaluate the birth...

Words: 853 - Pages: 4