Some government officials have recently expressed worry on the increasing number of suicide cases in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data from the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) revealed that the average monthly suicide-related calls is at 53. The highest was recorded in July 2020 with 115 calls while 49 calls have so far been logged for August.
Most of the callers of the institution are women and those within the age range of 18 to 30 years-old.
August 15 data from NCMH also show that 9,494 Filipinos have been provided mental health services since May 2019. The highest number of calls received by NCMH for consultation was recorded in June 2020 and followed by April with 1,104 calls.
“Hindi po lahat ng tumatawag ay bago, so ibig sabihin, maaaring may mga tumatawag na repeat na call. Per call ito, not per individual (Not all callers are new, which means some are repeat calls. [The data] is per call, not per individual),” DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified.
Vergeire disclosed that most of the callers are experiencing anxiety due to what is happening in this pandemic.
The Department of Health (DOH) has opened on March 17 a 24/7 COVID-19 hotline to provide health and psychological support to the public. From March to August 15, 2,372 were given psychosocial support by the NCMH COVID-19 hotline.
Individuals who need support may call 24/7 NCMH crisis hotlines 0917-899-USAP (8727) and (02) 7-989-USAP (8727), and NCMH COVID hotlines 0949 568 2910 and 0966 351 4518.
Vergeire assured that this is free and all information are kept confidential. – Report from Sandra Samala
