Why It’s Okay to Seek Help for Mental Health
- Doctor Anywhere Team
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
Every October, we observe National Mental Health Week — a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health. Yet for many Filipinos, conversations around mental well-being still feel uncomfortable, even taboo. Despite growing awareness, mental health stigma remains a big hurdle that keeps people from seeking help.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that mental health is “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, and can work productively and fruitfully”. But in the Philippines, many still hesitate to talk about their struggles, often out of fear of being judged, misunderstood, or dismissed.
To shed light on this issue, we spoke with Doctor Anywhere’s Medical Director, Dr. Zetch Cruz-Ram, MD, FPCOM, who shared her insights on why stigma persists and why seeking help should never be seen as a weakness.
Why Filipinos Still Struggle to Talk About Mental Health
According to Dr. Z, cultural and generational attitudes play a huge role in how Filipinos view mental health.
“Many Filipinos hesitate to talk about mental health because of stigma, cultural expectations to ‘be strong,’ generational attitudes that dismiss struggles, and limited access to care. While awareness is improving, stigma remains the biggest barrier.”
This aligns with findings from the Department of Health (DOH), which notes that stigma often prevents people from recognizing mental health conditions early and seeking timely treatment.
Breaking the “Sign of Weakness” Mentality
In Pinoy culture, mental health struggles are often brushed off as “arte lang” or a sign of weakness. But this misconception can be damaging.
Dr. Z emphasizes the importance of shifting perspectives, “We can correct this thinking by reframing mental health as a legitimate health concern, no different from physical health. Education is key — normalizing conversations, sharing real stories, and integrating mental health into schools and workplaces. Leaders and healthcare providers must model openness and empathy, while policies should ensure access to care. The more we treat mental health as part of overall well-being, the less room there is for stigma to thrive.”
Normalizing conversations about mental health is a crucial step. In fact, the Mayo Clinic states that stigma leads to discrimination, fewer treatment opportunities, and worsened symptoms for those struggling with mental illness.
Why Seeking Professional Help Matters
Mental health conditions, when left untreated, can take a toll on all aspects of life. This is why professional care is vital.
As Dr. Z explains, “It’s important to seek professional help for mental health just as we do for physical health because the brain and mind are part of the body. Untreated mental health conditions can worsen over time, affect relationships, work, and even physical health. Just like you wouldn’t ignore chest pain or diabetes, mental health concerns deserve timely, expert care to promote recovery and overall well-being.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports this, highlighting that mental health is deeply connected to overall health, impacting how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Building a Healthier Conversation
Breaking stigma doesn’t happen overnight. But every open conversation, supportive friend, and compassionate response brings us closer to a society that embraces mental wellness without shame.
This National Mental Health Week, let’s remember: seeking help is not a weakness—it’s a step toward healing. Just like we take care of our bodies, our minds deserve the same attention, compassion, and care.
And if you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Support is available, and recovery is possible.
With the Doctor Anywhere app, you can speak with a licensed mental health expert online. Consultations are private, secure, and discreet, and you can easily book an appointment any day of the week.
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Sources:
1. Dr. Zetch Cruz-Ram, MD, FPCOM. Interviewed on September 15, 2025.
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Dr. Zetch Cruz-Ram, MD FPCOM, is a fellow in occupational medicine and the Medical Director at Doctor Anywhere Philippines. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Our Lady of Fatima University and is a certified LOMA underwriter. With over 19 years of experience in medical administration, health insurance, and healthcare operations, Dr. Z has expanded her expertise beyond traditional medicine by completing R Programming for Data Science at Johns Hopkins University on Coursera and AI in Healthcare Specialization at Stanford University on Coursera. She's passionate about using technology and data-driven solutions to streamline healthcare processes and enhance patient experiences.
Currently pursuing studies in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Master Practitioner and The Complete AI Guide on Udemy, she's always learning and staying at the forefront of both mental health care and healthcare technology. Before joining Doctor Anywhere, she was the Medical Director and Head of Medical Services at InLife Health Care. Outside of work, Doc Z is a total BTS superfan (yes, she's ARMY!) and an amazing dancer - proving that even healthcare leaders know how to have fun and stay balanced!