‘In the streets today, more people are seen walking aimlessly and talking to themselves with scant clothes on, apparent victims of psycho-social traumas.’
THE COVID-19 crisis has triggered an alarming rise of depression and other mental issues that both the public and private health care systems are unprepared to confront. There are very few private hospitals that are equipped with quality treatment and professional care that are otherwise quite expensive.
In the streets today, more people are seen walking aimlessly and talking to themselves with scant clothes on, apparent victims of psycho-social traumas. Many scoff at their condition and regard them as virtual outcasts from society. Even their own families have disowned them, their increasing number congesting the Institute of Mental Health in Mandaluyong City.
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Manila Mayor Isko Moreno seems to draw more respect than any of the so-called presidentiables. Of late, he has asked, along with Sen. Nancy Binay, that his name be stricken off the 1Sambayan list of possible contenders for the 2022 national elections, a kind of investment for him to solidify his political future.
The uncertain political, social and security climate must have compelled Moreno to help forge a united and strong opposition, as well as to protect the democratic institutions against real threats to clean, honest and orderly elections.
Unlike most local officials, Moreno spoke out openly and strongly against the probable Sarah Duterte-President Duterte tandem in 2022, lashing out at political dynasties that, he stressed, should not be accepted nor condoned by his fellow Filipinos. He and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto seem to be ingrained with the idealism and nationalism of their generation to work for the survival of their people, above all, during these trying times.
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Those stricken with the deadly virus have found themselves alone in intensive care units and the mounting fear has overlooked the reality of the presence of God. The dark spiritual realm has forced the lie that we are alone and overcome by loneliness and depression. So we turn to the Word of God and ignore the dismaying facts and figures about the prevalent cases of infections. The Lord himself sees to it that his children are never alone. The following are powerful Scriptures. “For it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:6) Jesus promised his disciples, including us who believe. “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mathew 28:20)
