SENATOR Mark Villar filed a measure that will create a post-traumatic stress disorder awareness and education program.

Senate Bill 1524 or the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness and Education Act mandates the Department of Health to improve the identification of patients with PTSD, increase awareness of such disorders with the public, and train teachers and school administration on effective PTSD assistance methods.

Villar said that post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that is usually triggered by a terrifying event.

“In most cases, people who faced a traumatic event will naturally react on it which may include shock, anger, nervousness, fear and even guilt,” Villar said in his explanatory note.

He cited a report of the Department of Health that PTSD can develop at any age and children below six years old tend to reenact the traumatic event they experienced while the older children fantasize having revenge.

“Because of the Covid19 pandemic, the numbers of Filipinos suffering from mental health condition increased,” Villar said.

He said that government has to create programs to raise awareness on PTSD and give support to those who are suffering from the condition.