u/Professional-Lie4362

My dentist gave me the green light for debonding!

I do have some gum overgrowth, but my dentist mentioned it might subside on its own post-braces, or I can opt for a gingivectomy later. My gums don't show when I smile, but it definitely makes my teeth look smaller.

Also, my previous orthodontist extracted my upper laterals before treatment started (which my current dentist disagreed with, as it created too much front space). This pulled my front teeth back a bit, creating a slight shadow/dark space when I smile. We used torqued wiring to help push them forward as much as possible since I decided against TADs due to the extra cost.

My dentist left the decision to me—if I’m happy with it, we can take them off now.

What do you think?

Sharing is caring 🩷

I just want to share some affordable options I’ve discovered for mental health care, in case it helps others who are on a tight budget like me.

💊 Medication at NCMH Pharmacy

I now buy my medications at the NCMH Pharmacy, where prices are significantly lower compared to commercial drugstores. They accept prescriptions from any doctor/psychiatrist, whether public or private.

I take Sertraline 50mg and Quetiapine 25mg.

• Their cheapest brand for Sertraline is Serenata.

• Their cheapest brand for Quetiapine is Q‑win.

Price comparison:

• Serenata: ₱11.25 at NCMH vs. ₱48.50 per tablet at Watsons

• Q‑win: ₱13.50 at NCMH vs. ~₱30 per tablet at other drugstores

They also apply PWD discounts if you have a valid ID.

Tip: Ask your doctor to prescribe at least 3 months’ worth of medication (or until your next check‑up). This way, you don’t have to travel to NCMH frequently if you live far away. That’s what I do.

You can email them first to inquire about prices before going:

• pharmacy.main@ncmh.gov.ph

• pacd@ncmh.gov.ph

🏥 Step‑by‑Step Process at NCMH Pharmacy

1. Go to the Pharmacy building and proceed to Window A to submit your updated prescription. Present your PWD ID if you have one. Wait for the invoice.

2. Proceed to Window F for payment. They only accept cash. Wait for the receipt.

3. Return to Window A or B, present the receipt, and collect your medications. Note: they don’t provide bags for the meds. If you’re buying a lot, bring your own bag. They said they are prohibited from using bags for the meds, though I didn’t ask why.

Important note: When you arrive at the Pharmacy building, you’ll usually see a long line. That line is for the MAP (free meds program). If you’re purchasing, that’s not your line. Go directly to Window A labeled “pricing.” You can also check if your medications are listed under MAP — if they are, you might get them for free. Unfortunately, mine aren’t, and I don’t have the time or patience to go through the MAP process. The big discount is already enough for me.

I also inquired about purchasing meds through courier services like Grab Pabili. They provided instructions (attached in a picture I received). I haven’t tried it yet because I live far, and I feel it might be complicated for the rider since they would still need to process everything inside on your behalf.

🚕 Commuting to NCMH

• Get off at MRT Shaw Blvd station (southbound exit).

• Walk to Sierra Madre Street, where you’ll find a tricycle terminal.

• Tell the driver you’re going to the Mental Hospital/NCMH. Fare is ₱25–30, less than 5 minutes.

• They’ll drop you off at the entrance. Ask the guards where the pharmacy is — it’s in the left‑side building after the entrance.

👩‍⚕️ Psychiatric Consultation

I’ve been seeing a private psychiatrist via NowServing, but it’s expensive. I tried booking with NCMH since it’s free, but my schedule was almost two years from the time I booked — which is not acceptable. Public hospitals may have similar wait times.

Recently, I learned about UERMM online consultation. I emailed them to inquire, and they replied after a day. They said the next available schedule for new patients was in September. I agreed, and I had to fill out a Google Form and wait for their email confirmation. They asked me to pay first before scheduling.

• I paid ₱300 on July 14th via GCash (they also have other modes of payment).

• Once I sent my payment confirmation, I immediately received a schedule via Google Meet. Surprisingly, I was scheduled on July 29, even though they initially said September.

- Just follow their instructions on the email.

This is their email: uermopdonline@uerm.edu.ph

This is a very good option if you can’t wait for free/public consultations and need something affordable. Just ₱300, and it’s online. I’m not sure yet about the quality of their service or how they treat patients, but for now, it works for me since I’m on a tight budget. Of course, you can always choose any doctor or psychiatrist you prefer.

🧠 Psychotherapy

Aside from medical needs, I also go through psychotherapy once a month. Each online session costs ₱800. I’ve been in therapy since October 2025, and I’d say it’s going well for me.

Here’s their FB page: Mind Empire Psychological Services

You can always choose or change therapists if you don’t feel comfortable with your current one.

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That’s all I wanted to share — my resources and experiences that might help those who need mental health care but have limited budgets. Unfortunately, good or better mental health care is still very expensive if you don’t have enough support. The public healthcare system is outdated, underfunded, and often inefficient, which discourages many of us from relying on it. So we look for other options, even if they come with costs.

I hope this helps you. Remember: taking care of your mental health is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Even small steps — finding cheaper meds, affordable consultations, or therapy — can make a big difference. You are not alone in this journey, and seeking help is already a strong and courageous act 🩷