Medical experts are pushing for a holistic approach to cardiovascular care. They believe mental health is a vital part of heart health.
The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) explored this connection during its 56th Annual Convention on May 26 at the Edsa Shangri-La. Experts warned that chronic stress and anxiety can strain the cardiovascular system.
Dr. Iris M. Garcia chairs the Advocacy Hour committee. She noted that mental health shapes daily life.
“Mental health is part of our overall health. It affects how we think, feel, act, relate with others, and make decisions every day,” Dr. Garcia said.
She added that emotional struggles impact the body. “Kapag ang isang tao ay dumadaan sa depression, anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, lack of sleep, or emotional overload, hindi lang isip at damdamin ang naaapektuhan. The body is affected too, including the heart,” Dr. Garcia said.
She urged the public to create supportive environments. “As we continue promoting heart health, may we also create safe spaces where mental health can be discussed with compassion and without judgment. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a step toward healing,” she said.
Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal, president of the Philippine Psychiatrist Association, agreed. “Physical and mental health are deeply interconnected. We cannot separate one from the other,” she said.
She explained that while stress is normal, unmanaged stress causes serious health risks. “Do not be afraid of the word stress. It is part of life,” Dr. Perez-Rifareal said.
Actress Hershey Neri shared her own experience with trauma and therapy. “The therapy really changed my life,” Neri said. She emphasized that seeking help is difficult but necessary. “Healing or going to therapy is like peeling off a band-aid. It hurts because you are healing,” she said.
Neri advised people to offer genuine support to those in need. “Sometimes people do not need advice right away. Sometimes they just want someone to ask, ‘How can I help?’” she said.
She also noted the value of maintaining a small support system. “I have more than a thousand bashers, but I have five best friends and my parents. I have seven people who love and support me and they are my safe place,” Neri said. She added, “Because laughter is medicine, I want to share my life, a beautiful life of laughter, to others.”
Spiritual leader Dr. Ed Lapiz highlighted the dangers of social media pressure. “There is a difference between being informed and being invaded by information,” Lapiz said.
He advised the public to remain vigilant about their emotional state. “Guard the heart, but do not harden it,” Lapiz said.
The PHA encourages the public to view the full discussion on their official Facebook page.
