From left to right: Dr. Iris M. Garcia, Pastor Ed Lapiz, Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal & Ms. Hershey Neri | Photo by: Cris Gabion
Protect the Mind, Protect the Heart: Experts Push for Mental Health Integration in Cardiac Care | MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines – May 26, 2026 – As cardiovascular disease continues to rank among the leading causes of death worldwide, healthcare experts are calling for a more holistic approach to heart care—one that recognizes mental health as a critical pillar of cardiovascular wellness.
This message took center stage during the Advocacy Hour: Usapang Puso sa Puso, held as part of the 56th Philippine Heart Association–Philippine College of Cardiology (PHA-PCC) Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting at the Edsa Shangri-La Manila.
Carrying the theme “Mental Health & The Heart,” the session gathered cardiologists, psychiatrists, mental health advocates, faith leaders, media personalities, and members of the public to discuss how stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, and emotional overload significantly impact cardiovascular health.
The event underscored growing medical evidence showing that chronic emotional stress can elevate cortisol and adrenaline levels, increase inflammation, damage arteries, and contribute to hypertension and long-term heart disease.
Leading the discussion was PHA Director III and Advocacy Hour Committee Chair Dr. Iris M. Garcia, joined by Philippine Psychiatric Association President Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal, actress and mental health advocate Hershey Neri, and spiritual leader Ed Lapiz.
Dr. Iris M. Garcia | Photo by: George Buid
“Mental health is part of our overall health. It affects how we think, feel, act, relate with others, and make decisions every day,” said Dr. Garcia.
She emphasized that emotional struggles do not only affect the mind, but also the body and the heart. “When a person goes through depression, anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, lack of sleep, or emotional overload, not only the mind and emotions are affected. The body is affected too, including the heart,” Garcia explained.
Dr. Garcia also stressed the importance of creating compassionate and judgment-free spaces where people can openly discuss emotional struggles and seek professional support.
“As we continue promoting heart health, may we also create safe spaces where mental health can be discussed with compassion and without judgment. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a step toward healing,” she added.
Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal | Photo by: George Buid
Meanwhile, Dr. Perez-Rifareal highlighted the deep connection between emotional and physical well-being, emphasizing that mental health should no longer be treated separately from overall healthcare.
“Physical and mental health are deeply interconnected. We cannot separate one from the other,” she said.
She also reminded the public that while stress is a natural part of life, unmanaged and chronic stress may lead to anxiety, burnout, depression, unhealthy coping behaviors, and increased health risks.
“Do not be afraid of the word stress. It is part of life,” Perez-Rifareal noted.
The psychiatrist encouraged individuals to protect their mental well-being through proper sleep, healthy nutrition, exercise, hobbies, emotional outlets, and strong support systems.
Hershey Neri | Photo by: George Buid
Adding a deeply personal perspective to the conversation, Hershey Neri shared her own experience with trauma and healing, revealing how therapy transformed her life after surviving physical trauma at the age of 19.
“The therapy really changed my life,” Neri shared.
She encouraged the public to seek professional help without shame and reminded audiences that healing is often uncomfortable but necessary.
“Healing or going to therapy is like peeling off a band-aid. It hurts because you are healing,” she said.
Neri also highlighted the importance of compassion and emotional support, particularly for people silently struggling with mental health challenges.
“Sometimes people do not need advice right away. Sometimes they just want someone to ask, ‘How can I help?’” she added.
The actress also spoke about the value of focusing on meaningful relationships and supportive communities amid online negativity and criticism.
“I have more than a thousand bashers, but I have five best friends and my parents. I have seven people who love and support me and they are my safe place,” Neri said.
She further explained how comedy and humor became part of her healing journey.
“Because laughter is medicine, I want to share my life, a beautiful life of laughter, to others,” she concluded.
Pastor Ed Lapiz | Photo by: George Buid
For his part, Pastor Ed Lapiz warned against the growing emotional burden caused by social media pressure, negativity, and information overload.
“There is a difference between being informed and being invaded by information,” Lapiz said.
Quoting the biblical verse “Let not your heart be troubled,” he urged audiences to guard their peace while remaining compassionate toward others.
“Guard the heart, but do not harden it,” he emphasized.
Throughout the discussion, panelists reinforced the importance of “whole-person heart care,” explaining that effective cardiovascular prevention and recovery should extend beyond medicines, exercise, and diet to include emotional wellness, rest, stress management, healthy relationships, and professional mental health support.
Experts also reminded the public not to wait until emotional struggles become overwhelming before seeking help, emphasizing that protecting the mind is equally important in protecting the heart.
Healthcare leaders at the event noted that addressing the psychological roots of patient well-being—including depression, anxiety, and burnout—can significantly improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes and help reduce the global burden of heart disease.
As awareness around mental health continues to grow, the PHA-PCC Advocacy Hour served as a powerful reminder that emotional resilience, compassion, and mental wellness are no longer optional discussions in healthcare, but essential components of lasting heart health.
