State of Mind
Tatler Philippines|May 2021
The generalised anxiety brought about by the pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health and why it should be integrated into our overall wellness regimes
Stephanie Zubiri
State of Mind

“There is this generalised psychological distress and anxiety that is quite palpable as a result of the pandemic,” says Dr. Rene Samaniego, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist at Makati Medical Center, past president of the Philippine Psychiatric Association, and currently the Secretary for Education and training of the Asian Federation of Psychiatric Associations. “We can’t ignore it as our lives have been completely turned around and disrupted. We are grieving the loss of our former lives. We are all essentially in grief now and it’s very complicated as with it comes a lot of uncertainty.” The words of Samaniego resonate with many as the pandemic has put a spotlight on the importance of mental health. Isolation, lockdown, restriction of movement, economic and financial losses have all culminated in a sort of global anxiety. “All of these things can have adverse effects on our mental and emotional wellbeing. This is what we would refer to as the ‘psychological sequelae of the pandemic’ which may persist for years even after it ends,” he adds.

Pre-pandemic, many have found a certain shame in admitting to seeking help for mental health therapy, often left to those who were perceived as “weak” or “crazy”. However, it has become more evident that taking care of our sanity and emotions is an important factor in our overall health. “The formal definition of health by the World Health Organization is that it is a state of complete physical, social and mental wellbeing,” explains Samaniego. “It is an important factor in how we deal with our lives.”

This story is from the May 2021 edition of Tatler Philippines.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2021 edition of Tatler Philippines.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TATLER PHILIPPINESView All
SWEET SWISS SOJOURN
Tatler Philippines

SWEET SWISS SOJOURN

There is an undeniable charm that the Alps hold. Even skiing down its slopes has its own adrenalinefuelled appeal. But one can forego the adventure to indulge in what Switzerland has to offer

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
CAN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY BE SAVED?
Tatler Philippines

CAN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY BE SAVED?

Rising costs, low audience turnout and lack of originality are issues affecting Philippine cinema today. We ask director and Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Jose Javier Reyes what needs to be done to ensure its survival

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
NEW NOSTALGIA
Tatler Philippines

NEW NOSTALGIA

Grammy-winning Gen Z singer songwriter Laufey refuses to be put into boxes and talks on the importance of going off the sheet music' in both performance and life

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
Perfect HARMONY
Tatler Philippines

Perfect HARMONY

Over the past 40 years, OPM icons Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Gary Valenciano have been captivating audiences with songs about love, life and inspiration. In an interview with Tatler, they shared their journeys and challenges, discussed the current state of the Philippine music industry, and expressed their aspirations for the new generation that is taking OPM to the global stage

time-read
10+ mins  |
August 2024
LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU
Tatler Philippines

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU

For our inaugural Entertainment and Culture Issue, we spotlight the world of music by featuring 26 exceptional stars among the best and brightest in the country

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
Night of Glamour
Tatler Philippines

Night of Glamour

Solidifying its position in the market, the Belo Medical Group has once again showcased why it is one of the top aesthetic practitioners in the country

time-read
1 min  |
August 2024
From Combat to Health
Tatler Philippines

From Combat to Health

Colonel Ariel Querubin's dedication to well-being echoes a mission of empowering individuals to live healthy, protected lives

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024
More than Meals
Tatler Philippines

More than Meals

Three inspirational women demonstrate how fresh, exceptional food connects and nourishes us across time through luxury brands Sub-Zero and Wolf

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
Zig Dulay
Tatler Philippines

Zig Dulay

From thought-provoking dramas to enchanting fantasies, Zig Dulay is reintroducing the Filipino narrative to the world

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
My Top Shot
Tatler Philippines

My Top Shot

Photographer Filbert Kung shares the inspiration behind his Chronology of a Mind exhibition in Milan

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2024