Arabic version: زيادة الطلب على طقوس طرد الأرواح الشريرة في الفلبين تثير مخاوف الصحة النفسية

In the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic nation, the number of exorcisms is increasing significantly, raising alarms among mental health experts. According to SBS News, priests report that many individuals, like Mary Rose from Manila, believe they are possessed by evil spirits, leading them to seek exorcisms as a solution.

Mary Rose has undergone 10 exorcisms in the past two years, believing that dark forces control her body. Her home is filled with religious symbols, and her daily rituals include reciting deliverance prayers. Despite her deep faith, she experiences troubling symptoms, including hearing voices and losing control of her actions, which she attributes to possession.

Father Jose Francisco “Jocis” Syquia, Manila’s chief exorcist, states that demand for exorcisms is on the rise, with many priests struggling to keep pace. He performs at least two exorcisms a day, often involving intense physical manifestations from those being exorcised. Jocis emphasizes the importance of consulting medical professionals before proceeding with spiritual interventions, as many individuals may suffer from psychological disorders rather than demonic possession.

Mental health professionals, including Dr. Hazel Malazarte, express concern that conditions such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder are frequently misdiagnosed as demonic possession. The Philippines faces a shortage of mental health care providers, with fewer than 3,000 psychologists for over 115 million people. Malazarte warns that this lack of resources may lead individuals to rely on exorcisms instead of seeking appropriate medical treatment.