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In particular, the firm said an estimated 7 million to 12.5 million Filipinos suffer from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, underscoring the scale of the country’s mental health crisis.
PhilCare also noted that cases of mental illness are increasing by around 2 percent each year, with the sharpest rise among Filipinos aged 15 to 19 years old and said that, without timely intervention, the crisis could deepen among the country’s youth and working-age population.
Rising mental health burden
“Filipinos today face a complex mix of challenges driving a high rate of mental health issues, from environmental and economic pressures to societal factors,” said PhilCare president and CEO Jaeger Tanco said in a message to InsiderPH.
A 2020 Department of Health–WHO study pointed to Covid-19 lockdowns and isolation as a catalyst for rising anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, psychology studies from Ateneo de Manila University and UP Diliman found clear links between social media use and higher anxiety, body image concerns, and cyberbullying, especially among the youth.
Growing awareness, shifting values
Despite the troubling trends, Tanco noted a significant cultural shift toward prioritizing wellness.
“Our own 2023 PhilCare Wellness Index Workforce Generational Study reveals that Filipinos are now prioritizing their mental health more than ever. It is now one of their top values, with those aged 27 to 58 ranking it third and those aged 16 to 26 ranking it fourth among their most important concerns.”
He added that this growing acceptance may be one reason behind the increasing number of reported cases, as more Filipinos are now willing to seek help.
Barriers to care remain
Access, however, is still a major hurdle. “Most Filipinos think that mental health care is a luxury and is something that is out of reach for most. We know that’s a huge barrier, and this something we’re actively working to change,” Tanco said.
To address this, PhilCare has introduced prepaid products, including Mind Care Counseling at just P1,000, which covers both a teleconsultation with a doctor and a virtual counseling session—significantly cheaper than private consultations.
“Beyond pricing, we are also leveraging on technology to make healthcare not only affordable but also accessible and convenient. We believe that by doing these, we are giving Filipinos better chances of getting the help they need,” he added.
— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas
