Mental Health Issues Recovery Narratives in the Philippines: A Discourse Analysis

Abstract

The discourse surrounding recovery narratives of Filipinos with lived experience of mental health challenges influences public understandings of mental health and individuals’ healing journeys. This study analyzed 30 recovery narratives from Philippine media outlets using Levinson’s (1983) entailment framework and Halliday and Matthiessen’s (2004) transitivity analysis. Key entailments identified include self-awareness, medical treatment, healthy and supportive environment, self-help strategies, optimism, faith, and a sense of belonging. Transitivity analysis reveals that recovery is constructed through material, mental, verbal, and relational processes, portraying it as a multifaceted journey characterized by intentional actions, reflective understanding, emotional expression, and social support. These findings suggest that mental health recovery is not only a clinical outcome but also a socially, emotionally, and culturally embedded process that requires personal agency and meaningful engagement. The study provides evidence-based insights to inform curriculum design and policy development, aiming to promote mental health awareness, empathy, resilience, and culturally relevant approaches that support well-being.