This is me finally trying

Finally after 2 months of waiting from receiving my schedule via email, it was my appointment day at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). I knew that a only a day leave wasn't enough and so, I booked a two-day leave.

It has been 2 years since I last went to a psychiatrist since the consultation fee and medicines were costly.

I hadn't had much sleep since I had more than 12 hours of sleep the other day, maybe 'twas 15 hours- I know that was quite a hibernation. So, I wasn't able to sleep the night before. Although, I fully trusted myself that I won't feel weary. 

Well, I was only expecting the place to be housed in a single or maybe two buildings and there would only be a few people since in the email I got, there were only 20 of us copied on it- I know, they could have just placed all email recipients via BCC for data privacy purposes, but it is what is. 

To my surprise, NCMH is wide and its area is comparative to that of a state university campus back in my province. I thought of strolling along the vicinity once I'm done with my consultation assuming it would only take a while. However, upon arriving at the designated building, there were already a hundred of us! And that was only at 7AM!

Registration Process

The first step was in the Triage area where I was asked the basic protocol (if I recently had cough, fever, travelled abroad, and my purpose why I'm availing consultation, etc.). After that, I was asked to be in the line for the next step, queueing. 

The line for the Step 2, which was to get your queueing number, started to move at exactly 7AM, thankfully and it was fast. After only a few minutes, I was already in for the third step, registration for new patients or first time consultation. 

The window for third step prioritized to cater the elderly and the indigenous folks, followed by regular patients. 

It took some time to process my ID since there were a quite a lot and because the sun was already scorching at 9AM, I had to battle out my sleepiness with a cold water that I had with me thankfully. 

After a getting my ID, I waited for my number to be called. The waiting game took so long that I felt my stomach grumbling. With the direction of the helpful guards, I was able to grab lunch at their canteen area. 

NCMH as an effective location

The NCMH felt like a state university campus. It oddly felt nostalgic and serene. It could be the breeze and the trees, or the similarities of the architectural structures of my university. It could also be because there were students (nursing, med, etc.) walking around and buying food for lunch. It made me think that this is indeed a good place for an institution catering for mental health as the place has a calming charm amidst the chaotic concrete jungle of Metro Manila. 

I strolled my way back to the building to wait for my number to be called to feel the overall vibe of the place and just in time I was back, my number got called to line for the consultation.

Upon arriving at the building for consultation, we were asked to sit in queue. I noticed how clean the consultation area was. I also felt relieved as a taxpayer to be honest, knowing that a state-owned hospital facility is well-kept.

Consultation and the Malasakit Center

Going back, it only took two to three minutes before it was my turn and I had my consultation. The consultation has been enlightening. After my consultation, I was informed by the doctor to stop by the Malasakit Center to avail the free medicine. I didn't know that it was for free and I then happily proceeded for the free medicine. 

After a short walk to the building, I was asked to fill out a form and have a photocopy of my valid ID. Then, I got in line in a window to review the documents and prescription and waited (again for more than an hour under the dreadful noon heat) for approval. 

When finally my name was called, 95% (all 30 tabs of a certain medicine were covered and 90 out of 100 tablets of another meds were covered) of my prescribed medicines are going to be provided for free of charge. I felt relieved seeing that I won't have to empty my pockets out for my medicine. The prices for mental health issue related meds are no a joke. They can drain your money out for sure. As an ordinary middle-class salary woman and a taxpayer, this medical aid has truly been helpful. 

Overall Experience

I went home feeling accomplished and overall, it was a wonderful experience for me as a first-timer who didn't have any idea at all on what was going to happen. I look forward to the total healing of my mental health. 

I encourage those who would want to have a consultation with a psychiatrist to book an appointment at NCMH. It's definitely worth the wait and sweat.

If you or you know someone having mental health-related challenges or struggles, don't be afraid to seek help. Reach out to a mental health professional or you can also check the website of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) to avail free consultation.  Your well-being matters a lot!