Seeing Beyond the Stigma: How one doctor is helping change attitudes to mental health in the Philippines

Stories | Published: October 5, 2026

When Dr Arman was studying medicine, mental health was not a topic he felt confident about.

Like many medical students, most of his learning came from textbooks and lectures. At the time, stigma around mental health was common, even among students. People with mental health conditions were often misunderstood or unfairly labelled as dangerous.

These beliefs made Dr Arman hesitant about working with people experiencing mental health challenges. Mental health felt unfamiliar and intimidating.

But that began to change when he became involved in Project Ka-Ginhawa, a CBM-supported project helping communities in the Philippines strengthen mental health support close to home.

Through the project, Dr Arman received training in rights-based mental health that increased his knowledge and confidence. But it was something else that had the greatest impact.

Meeting people beyond the stigma

The project gave him the opportunity to spend time with people experiencing mental health challenges, support them through their recovery journeys, and see their progress first-hand.

Rather than viewing mental health through stereotypes, he began seeing individuals with hopes, strengths and stories of their own.

“Because you’re fully immersed in the process, you really get to interact with patients, see them first-hand and track their progress over time.”

For Dr Arman, this was more than professional development. It changed the way he saw people who had too often been judged before they were understood.

He learned that recovery is possible. He saw that people experiencing mental health conditions can build meaningful relationships and communicate effectively with their healthcare providers. He also gained a deeper appreciation of the rights of people with psychosocial disabilities, particularly those who face discrimination, isolation or lack family support.

What started as greater understanding soon grew into a deeper commitment.

“It wasn’t only awareness that changed,” he says. “A passion to focus on mental health was developed [in me]”

Helping open the door to recovery

Today, Dr Arman works as a Municipal Health Officer and is committed to supporting mental health in his community. He understands that change does not happen overnight, and that recovery often takes time. But instead of discouraging him, these challenges have strengthened his determination.

Thanks to Project Ka-Ginhawa, Dr Arman has moved beyond the stigma and misconceptions he once held. He has become a champion for inclusive, community-based mental health care.

Most importantly, his changed perspective is helping create change for others.

By supporting projects like Ka-Ginhawa, CBM is helping health workers gain the skills, confidence and understanding they need to provide compassionate, rights-based mental health support that puts people at the centre. In turn, more people are able to access the care, dignity and opportunities they deserve.

For Dr Arman, the transformation has been both professional and personal.

And for the people he serves, it is helping open the door to a brighter future.

CBM Australia acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative.

 

 

 

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