The recent mental health discussion hosted by Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), through its Strategic Hospital Alliance Program (SHAP) in collaboration with NL Villa Memorial Medical Center stands as a testament to the pressing need for increased awareness and proactive intervention in addressing mental health challenges within our communities.
Titled “The Hidden Epidemic,” this event brought together esteemed specialists from the MakatiMed Section of Psychiatry to delve into critical issues surrounding mental well-being.
Last February 29, the discussion provided a platform for 82 medical and healthcare practitioners to deepen their understanding of various mental health concerns while earning 1.5 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Units.
The session explored a diverse range of topics, each shedding light on different aspects of mental health:
Carmina G. Bernardo, MD, FPPA, FPCPSYCH shared valuable insights into identifying symptoms of depression and learned about evidence-based treatment modalities to effectively support individuals grappling with this prevalent mental health disorder in Beyond the Blues: Recognizing and Treating Depression in Adults Participants.
Anna Marie G. Lantano, MD, FPPA, MBAH, discussed Finding an Alternative Ending: Detecting and Managing Suicidality which underscored the importance of early detection and comprehensive management strategies in mitigating the risk of suicidality, emphasizing the crucial role of healthcare professionals in providing timely support and intervention.
Navigating the Nerves through the Roadblocks of Anxiety explored practical approaches to assessing and addressing anxiety disorders, equipping themselves with tools to support individuals in managing symptoms and building resilience. Ryan Edward Rabago, MD, DSBPP, FPPA, BICBT-CC, BICBT-CMC lead the discourse for the topic.
Elaine Angela Leynes, MD, FPPA, FPSCAP’s Not Just a Phase: Understanding Behavioral Problems in Children delved into the complexities of behavioral issues in children and adolescents, highlighting the significance of early intervention and tailored management strategies to promote positive outcomes and well-being.
For the last part, Dra. Bernardo provided Treatment Options for Mood and Anxiety Disorders at Makati Medical Center which helped participants gain valuable insights into the array of treatment options available to support individuals grappling with mood and anxiety disorders.
Through collaborative efforts between Makati Medical Center and NL Villa Memorial Medical Center, this initiative succeeded in raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and equipping healthcare practitioners with the knowledge and tools necessary to address mental health challenges effectively.
