No abstract

From a public health perspective, this opinion article discusses why it is necessary to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the mental health practices in the Philippines. The use of AI systems is an optimum solution to the rising demand for more accessible, cost-efficient, and inclusive healthcare. With the recent developments, the Philippines is deemed to have sufficient capacity to adopt this agendum. This article serves as a call for the introduction of advanced detection tools and predictive analytics in the medical field, especially in the mental health discipline.

This article calls for an investigation into the potential bi-directionality between mental health and economics, particularly in the Philippines. Here, we talk about the three themes that contribute to misbeliefs about mental health in Philippine culture and the current state of mental health in the Philippines, including established mental and public health legislations and the lack of resources needed to address mental health concerns in the country. We also compare the Philippines with Northwestern European countries, nine of which are among the 10 happiest countries in the world. In these countries, collaboration between governments and their citizens strengthens research, monitoring, and the evaluation framework of policymaking for mental health — areas in which the Philippines must improve. Finally, we call for Filipinos to view mental health issues in a different light and to impel government and public sectors to prioritize them and to set the Philippine Mental Health Act into motion.