PMHA says 85% of callers on its hotline seek mental health assistance amid pandemic

Eighty-five percent of the calls that the Philippine Mental Health Association Inc. (PMHA) has received amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic sought for mental health assistance.

According to Manal Sugadol's report on "Stand for Truth," most of the mental health cases reported recently include generalized anxiety disorders, major depressive disorders and sleeping problems.

PMHA said it receives an average number of 20 to 25 calls a day. Forty-five percent of the callers suffer from an anxiety disorder while 30 percent suffer from a depressive disorder.

60 percent of their callers are aged 20 to 30 years old, most of whom come from the BPO industry. Most of the callers reside in Metro Manila, Cavite, and other nearby provinces.

According to PMHA psychologist Lorraine Jessica Baclig, the effects of mental health problems can be much more severe amid the pandemic since it limits mobility, social interaction and financial sources.

Baclig added that as much as people can, it's best to reach out to other people so they can be heard.

"If you feel na nagiging heavily burdened ka na sa situation, di ka makakain, di ka makatulog, wala kang motivation to do things gaya ng dati, ini-isolate mo na rin sarili mo sa mga taong mahal mo, it might be time to seek help," said Baclig.

—Kaela Malig/JCB, GMA News