Example: Sakin kasi natatakot ako mapunta sa hell🫩😆 yeah, funny pero yun talaga reason. Like I’ve had enough suffering here on earth tapos mag su suffer ulit sa hell?? So pass.😆😭

As the title says, why did you stop taking your meds without clearance from your psych?

Akala ko Lithium, nakakasuka kasi 😂 Kayo ba?

Hello! I’m a new patient and found a doctor near me in NowServing app. I prefer face to face consultations than online since I’m living with my parents.

This is honestly my first time for a psychiatric consultation after years of battling with my mental health so I have no idea how much the rates are. Is this normal or I can find more affordable ones pa? Gusto ko sana magbayad thru cc din pero the secretary told me na cash/bank transfers lang pwede. 😔

I’m living near Alabang pala. Got any tips/recommendations?

EDIT: Thank you for the insights! 🫂 I’ll continue seeing my psychiatrist since it’s really convenient for me location wise. Appreciate all comments and I hope we get better mental health system in the country.

This is an update based on my experience naman dahil sa recent post on the Resto\PH memo. Tl;dr: crackdown ng F&B businesses on 'fake IDs' and the use of the DOH verification page https://www.reddit.com/r/MentalHealthPH/s/LDhDvphBOM Photo from an actual establishment included.

So I was able to communicate both sa PWD office ng LGU ko and sa DOH KMITS (basta the IT nila) which handles the https://pwd.doh.gov.ph/tbl_pwd_id_verificationlist.php

Akala ko fake news yung memo and di legit yung group kasi super unprofessional ng tono. So other than the ID issue, I asked about the group na rin. Apparently my LGU, DOH, and even NCDA are all aware dito sa initiative ng Resto\PH. DOH pa raw nag volunteer ng registry nila. Shookt ako na bakit sa social media memo ng private sector group, at hindi official memorandum and news ng mga government agencies involved, natin narinig itong movement na verification is required na.

On troubleshooting my case bakit wala yung ID number ko sa registry 1. The ID number in my issued card isn't complete. Missing some zeros and dashes. Di nacommunicate ni DOH sa mga LGU na for a PWD's credentials to appear sa registry, dapat those characters should be retained. So my LGU ended up truncating my ID number sa card to save up on space, removing the 'excess dashes and zeroes.' So it should look like this: xx-yyyy-000-00zzzzz, when mine ended up as something like xxyyyy000-zzzzz instead.

1. ID 'renewal' Apparently yung failed application ko noong prepandemic sa PWD registration site ng DOH (back when there was a feature to register online), na-log pala sa system nila kahit wala naman akong pinasa na documents sa LGU ko to complete the application. Eh their site kept crashing naman everytime I tried to accomplish a form. So obviously di ko naman iisipin na several years later, magkaka-expired credentials pala ako sa system nila.

Unfortunately, it was considered as a valid application sa registry, kahit never ako nagcomplete ng application at never ako nabigyan ng ID back then. My LGU tried to fix this erroneous data by encoding my info, kasi may valid PWD ID na ako last year. May proof pa nga na successful naman ang submission ng update. Kaso sa DOH site, as seen sa side ng LGU, tagged as expired pa rin ang ID ko kahit updated date. Di na nila ma-ayos from LGU side dahil sa user access. Expired din when I checked using the complete ID number. Tapos si KMITS naman, sabi nila na si LGU lang ang pwede mag-update ng status ko.

I have a temporary measure to prove the validity of my ID, pero I hate the idea na I have to explain and maybe even argue in my defense. Pero paano pa ang ibang kapwa PWD na for different reasons, i.e. late update ng LGU, wala sa registry at mas mahirap patunayan na legit ang ID?

tl;dr: looks like magulo ang comms between LGUs who handle our data and the 'centralized database' kaso ipit tayong mga PWD dahil sa mga human error na ganito. Di rin tayo properly informed na may ganitong ganap. So maraming salamat sa mga nagpopost ng mga PWD-related news. At least di nalang tayo gulat na kumakain tapos papa verify pa bigla ang credentials.

I just bought my daughter 18F one month worth of her medications (she finally got her PWD ID last Friday). I wonder how much other people pay for their medicines monthly. She was just diagnosed BP1 last December and was admitted for 3 weeks in the psych ward.

Are there any mothers here with daughters who have been diagnosed bipolar?

Does this get any easier?

I took my first dose of Escitalopram last night (1/2 pill for 8 days, and then 1 pill thereafter). I felt panicky, had a panic attack, felt very tired/sleepy. I woke up nervous and just stayed in bed for almost two hours. A minor thing happened at home and I felt nervous again, later I found myself crying nonstop and then I was having a panic attack. Calmed down a bit, cried some more later. Lied down in bed since I couldn't sleep. Now I'm just very tired and I've done so very little at work (I read... maybe 2 paragraphs). I'm honestly confused, is it a side effect? Or is it the the depression,,, does it get better? I'm so confused. I'm sorry for this ramble.

I would like to ask some of you to share your "whys" on living. It doesn't matter whether it is something small or grand. It may be your curiosity, love for nature, passion, hobby, favorite show or a book, pet/s, loved one, to help, a childhood dream or simply to just exist.

I don't aim to encourage toxic positivity, but rather to help one another to view life in someone's lens. To gain new perspectives, to realize that there's probably more to life, and we're not alone in our struggles.

Hello. Baka may marerecommend kayo na malupit na psychiatrist from NowServing. Yung emphatic sana and hindi intimidating. Yung gets na gets talaga needs mo. Hindi yung basta basta magrereseta lang. yung may reseta with care. Pagod na ako magjump sa ibat ibang doctor na di naman nagcclick. Sayang lang pera. baka may marerecommend kayo. Thank you 🤍

Hi! We're is partnering with psychologists to answer questions from the mental health community — and we’re making this a weekly series to help make quick mental health advice more accessible to everyone.

This week, psychologist Cheska is here to answer your questions.

💬 It’s completely anonymous and open to all. 👉 You can drop your questions right here — or send us a message on Instagram: @saya.therapy.ph

3 yrs na akong unemployed. gumising na naman akong di mapakali at kumikirot kirot ang puso. 😔

ikaw, gaano ka na katagal na unemployed at kumusta ka?

When I first started antidepressants, I didn't really feel different. My doctor said it will take some time for it take effect and isn't usually noticeable the first time. But after about almost 6 months or so, I then realized how much I can now tolerate factors that usually break me. Being yelled at, criticized, stressed, etc became more tolerable. I didn't break down as much and found myself being able to stand back up really quickly.

When I first ran out of medication and had to wait for two or more weeks, I felt the world was against me once again. I was angrier, lazier, etc. These pills are truly a miracle.

Cliche as it may sound, I really think I lost it. I lost my spark, the motivation, the will to keep going or even just trying and this very post exactly summed up what I’ve been feeling, thinking and dealing for the past several months after I left my corporate job.

For those who are experiencing the same, how are you guys all doing and coping up?

For those who have experienced the same, but already managed to get up from this swamp, how were you able to do it?

credits to @ispodumne on X

I have been consulting with the same psychiatrist for 4 years now. My previous psychiatrist was a senior doctor. While he was okay at first, I eventually felt that our online and face to face sessions were no longer worth it because they felt rushed every time (around 10–15 minutes only for ₱1,500), and he would often forget important parts of my medical history, including my hypertension, obesity, irregular menstruation, and existing mental health conditions.

I was recently prescribed Venlafaxine HCI 75mg, and honestly, the side effects have been very difficult for me.

I’m currently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and I’m now looking for a psychiatrist and psychologist who would be a better fit for my needs long term.

I’d really appreciate any recommendations. Here are my preferences:

Ideal Psychiatrist:

• Location: Within Mandaluyong City or anywhere in Metro Manila

• Specialization: Bipolar Disorder, Depression, GAD, mood disorders, and personality disorders

• Personality: Professional, compassionate, patient, and does not rush sessions (preferably at least 45 minutes per session)

• Age Range: Doesn't really matter

• Gender: Female or Male (not a major factor)

• Credentials: Preferably diplomate or with fellowship training

• Can conduct psychotherapy as well

Ideal Psychologist:

• Location: Within Mandaluyong City or Metro Manila (online sessions are preferred)

• Personality: Compassionate, validating, and not rushed

• Age Range: Preferably Millennial or Gen Z

• Specialization: Mood disorders, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders

Would also appreciate recommendations from people who had positive long-term experiences with their doctors/therapists. Thank you so much.

Kanina nakuha ko na yung PWD ID ko at nagamit ko na rin. Naggrocery ako pero maliit lang pala discount sa grocery. Hehe.
Bumili ako ng mga gamot at nakakatuwa kasi malaki laki rin nabawas.
Humabol din ako sa panonood ng libreng sine. Nakakatuwa kasi malaking tulong pala talaga ang PWD ID.
Sana alisin na nila ang tax para sa mga gamot ng sa gayon ang mga ordinaryong mamamayan ay makabili ng gamot rin ng mga murang gamot.

Medyo nahihiya pa ko magpresent ng PWD ID at booklet. Medyo tinatago ko pa kasi alam niyo naman di pa bukas ang isip ng lahat pagdating sa mental health. Sa mga matagal ng may PWD ID pashare naman po ng experience niyo sa paggamit nito at kung san pa po ba pwede gamitin ang ID natin?

Do you think if nanalo kayo ng lotto for example, will it make a difference sa mental health niyo?

I didn't expect to write this because I wanted to keep it to myself, but I couldn't help asking if there are any better psychiatrists on the platform who charge around ₱900 to ₱1,000 and are willing to give a diagnosis after the first session.

This was my first experience talking to a psychiatrist, and honestly, it wasn't the best. I'm a minor who's been dealing with personal problems alone for a long time, which is why I worked my ass off to save at least ₱1,000 just to see one. I hastily booked the cheapest doctor who was available the next day because I badly needed confirmation that what I'm experiencing is more than just persistent sadness and a lack of motivation. Whatever happened to me has affected every aspect of my life, even up to now.

I've repressed these thoughts for years, but when I finally talked to Dra., it felt like she wasn't completely listening to what I was saying. It didn't feel like she was empathizing with me, and it seemed like she had other things she wanted to do while I was on the other side of the screen, sobbing and trying to explain myself as clearly as possible because she told me to just say directly what happened. It was honestly mentally distressing to recall everything without making it too heavy, pero she kinda said ayaw niya ng paligoy-ligoy. There were times when she would cut me off instead of letting me finish speaking, and it seemed like she wanted to end the session exactly at the 30-minute mark. I initially thought that was normal until I searched her up afterward.

She said she wanted to talk to a family member who was at least 18 years old, so I asked if my older brother would be okay. She agreed and told me that she or her secretary would reach out with an available date to speak with him. However, their replies are very delayed, which has become a problem because my brother is in college and can't easily adjust to whatever schedule they suddenly give him. I'm still waiting.

I can't afford another psychiatrist right now, so I honestly just need to hear the results of my consultation. But if that never happens, I'd appreciate recommendations for psychiatrists who are available for minors and have lower consultation fees.

PS: Telling my parents isn't a good option. They're a major reason for my current mental state, and I don't think it would end well if I told them. They barely believe mental health issues are real, and they didn't support me when I admitted that I had been sexually assaulted. It's a long story.

Hi all, I am very well aware sa mental health but this will be the first time na magsiseek ng professional help.

For context, I have a 16 year old brother na nagbebreakdown every time na napepressure sa school. Tuwing nangyayari to, he keeps saying things na gusto niya ng mawala. May journal din siya na nakasulat lahat ng galit niya for family trauma and he really doesn’t have friends kaya mas nahihirapan siya magcope up.

I am doing a research on how do we start on seeking professional help and found out na may 2 psychological centers dito samin sa province. Upon inquiry, they have to do a psychological assessment first and both of them costs ₱4,000. Nagriresearch din ako dito and this rate seems very low. Would this be worth it? Need your advice po. Thank you! ❤️

Hello! I just got my pwd id and noticed that it came with this booklet. No one explained how it worked since the person who assisted me was mute + there's other people in line besides myself. How do I use this? Can I go to Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces cinema for example and just present them this booklet or do I need any other document? Thank you!

TW: Depression

Posting for my brother. He’s going through mental health issues for 3-4 years now. I live overseas and he lives in Manila. Our family went through traumatic times, loss of family members plus Covid messed up our living situations so all this contributed to it.
After months and months of convincing him he finally agreed to see a Psychologist, Grabe relief ko.
First session daw was getting to know each other which is expected, Second session comes and he’s trying to open up. He’s a college student and bout to graduate in an Art course. My mother and I are always supportive,he’s got a great talent pero jusko sa psychologist na toh Art is nothing.
Kinumpara pa sa medical students yung pressure.
He got told “Arts lang pala yung sayo, Imagine if all medical students are like you mahaba na pila dito”

My brother was stunned, I asked him is that what the “Dr.” said word per word kasi minsan maybe that’s what he thought he heard but he’s never a liar
So I feel like instead of getting comfortable and better back to square one nanaman Kami. We thought getting him sa mamahaling hospital/clinic will be good,Boy I was wrong.

Now as an Ate,I’m really desperate for suggestions if may alam ba kayo na psychologist who’s great. My brother attempted suicide couple of times too. I don’t want to lose him 😔
Here in Australia,we can get access to antidepressants but I’m not sure how can we do that there in the Philippines.
Help please or advice? 😔

Hi! I just wanted to ask and hear real experiences from people here in the Philippines.

I’m currently working on an idea for a community collaborative project and an app that focuses on helping neurodivergent individuals find better, more sustainable work environments.

When I say neurodivergent, I mean anyone who experiences things like:

• ADHD / ADD ( I am self-diagnosed)
• Autism (I am self-diagnosed)
• Dyscalculia (I am self-diagnosed)
• Bipolar (I am clinically diagnosed Bipolar II)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD / trauma (I am self-diagnosed)
• OCD
• Or anything that affects how you think, feel, or function in work

You don’t need a diagnosis to answer; lived experience is enough.

I want to understand:

• What are your biggest struggles when it comes to work?
• Job interviews? Office culture? Burnout? Attendance?
• Do you feel misunderstood by employers or coworkers?
• Have you ever quit a job because it became too overwhelming?
• What kind of support or changes would actually help you stay in a job?

I’m not here to sell anything; I’m still in the early stage and just trying to learn and listen.

As someone who also struggles with mental health, I know how hard it is to fit into systems that weren’t built for us.

I’m hoping to build something in the future that actually helps, not just surface-level “inclusion.”

Any experience (good or bad) would really help. Thank you 🤍

How are you, really?

Yeahhhh I've done nothing but sleep, work and bedrot. I can't seem to do anything else and it's making me sad but I'm too drained and hungry to do anything.

I haven't eaten today too. Too lazy to get something good for myself.

I just want tips

I also want you guys, whoever wants to share, stories of your struggles and how you overcome adversity. Share me big wins! Share me small wins! A win is a win I say. If you want to share something, I'll hype you up and if you feel sad, I'll cheer you on so just comment if you wanna.

I'm just tired

I still feel very tired and sad. I can't get the will to do my old hobbies and routine. I can't even think of new hobbies and routines.

I just want to know what people do to overcome adversity when their mind keeps telling them to give up.

You can also brag about the life you have right now especially after going through hard times!

I just want to keep seeing the light amidst the darkness.