When talking about mental health disorders and OCD, there’s a lingering fear of being called out to be weak, crazy, or simply lacking faith. Unfortunately, these anticipated responses stem from the traditional views where Filipinos put mental health on a lower priority compared to any form of wellness and oversimplifies its condition. In some people’s cases, these responses are being said closer than you think: in our homes and families.
In a recent study conducted by Multimedia Arts students from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde titled “Media’s Role in Shaping Young Filipino Adults’ Perception of OCD and Why It Matters”, Miss Duaqui, key sociologist informant, discussed that upbringing from parents can shape an individual’s adult personality while bleeding their own perception to their children.
Digital media influencing values of pakikisama, connection, and empathy
As time changes, media continues to shape the culture of newer generations especially now that we are entering the exciting digital era.
However, Young adult Filipinos, especially Gen Z, have shown a more positive and accepting perception of OCD and mental health discussions compared to previous generations. This gradual shift into acceptance comes from two sources: exposure and attitude.
Because recent media started being inclusive of mental health and OCD representations on screen, younger adult audiences began being more open and exposed. The power of storytelling and representation of character can tug at people’s heartstrings for being relatable or opening a newer perspective in other people’s lives.
It is not to say that hiya or embarrassment has completely gone away, but the driving force of pakikisama or connectedness amplifies even more when media provides a platform to connect like-minded communities. At the same time, Filipinos with OCD can resonate with characters and find comfort that they are not alone with this experience.
Mass media provides a platform for essentially every representation out there, including marginalized communities or unheard voices that allows audiences to be captivated, informed, and entertained all at the same time. No longer limited to a misplaced view of mental health like previous generations, there are a lot of promises for the newer Gen Z and upcoming ones to continue creating a safe space for people like Filipinos with OCD.
