One out of four or 27 percent of Filipinos frequently experience stress in daily living, the fourth quarter of 2019 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed.
Based on the results, the SWS found out that stress is often experienced by people living in Metro Manila and urban areas. It is more frequent among women at 33 percent than in men at 20 percent.
The survey disclosed that people who belong to the 35 to 44 age range experience stress more frequently at 36 percent, compared to the 25 percent of persons who are within the 45 to 54 range, and the 24 percent among 18 to 24 year-olds, 25 to 34 year-olds, and those above 55 years old.
The SWS survey was conducted from December 13 to 16 last year through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults, with sampling error margins of ±3 percent for national percentages.
Psychologist Elyca Biclar shared stress is usually experienced when a person feels a sense of loss of control over things they cannot change. As the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon persists, the stress level of a person may increase.
“Unang-una may fear na baka mahawaan tayo ng kumakalat na pandemic ngayon ng COVID-19, may fear din na tayo mismo ‘yung makahawa (There is fear that we might acquire the virus, and that we may transmit it as well),” Biclar said.
“Nagstart na dito ‘yung hindi na pwede pumasok hindi na nakakapasok sa trabaho nila… ‘Yung fear na paano ‘yong everyday living nila, paano matutustusan ang pangangailangan ng pamilya nila (It started to happen when they couldn’t report for work… The fear of how their everyday living would be and how they can sustain their needs),” Biclar added.
Biclar said stress can affect human behavior and some may experience sleepless nights, loss of interest in things, and are easily irritated. The psychologist added family plays a crucial role in helping a person under stress.
Biclar shared stressed people may divert attention on activities they enjoy and may take a break from negative news to lessen anxiety.
The Department of Health (DOH) has encouraged people experiencing mental health problems to immediately call its crisis hotline at the National Center for Mental Health at 0917 899 8727 and 989 8727. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
