I lived in the US for many years, and this was my experience: I struggled with anxiety for 3 years, I tried everything: meditation, self affirmations, distractions, before going to a psychologist. Why? Psychology is not covered by insurance, and sessions can be $240 per hour (back in those days)... In the end I had to go, because I was becoming nihilistic and out of other recourses... The session I had fixed me completely - I never had a single episode of anxiety since.

This might have been the best thing I've ever done for myself, but my case was mild (apparently). There are people who need numerous therapy sessions, and it can get extremely expensive to do. So a lot of people just let their condition and trauma persist without getting any help.

There needs to be a balance between health providers and the affordability of the said care - a balance that makes sense no matter where people are in the world, because you're right - people have very similar mental problems, and there is no reason why it should be undervalued in Philippines but overpriced in other western countries.