Calls to mental health hotline up in Q1 amid COVID-19 pandemic —DOH

The number of calls to the crisis hotline of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) increased in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period last year, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

Citing data from the NCMH, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said a total of 3,006 calls were made to the 0917 899 8727 (USAP) and 989 8727 (USAP) hotlines from January 1 to March 15 this year.

Of this number, 867 were related to suicide.

The average number of calls per month stood at 1,002 while average daily calls ranged from 35 to 53 as of March 15, 289 of which were suicide-related.

In comparison, only 1,540 calls were recorded from January to March 2020, 100 of which were related to suicide.

The highest number of calls so far was logged in September 2020 with 1,187 consultations, followed by February 2021 with 1,126 calls.

The most common reasons for calling the NCMH hotline were anxiety and depression, stressful life events, interpersonal concerns, mood concerns, and referral services.

“This is one of the things that we’re monitoring,” Vergeire said in a mix of English and Filipino during a briefing. “We are cognizant of the fact that during this pandemic, our consultations really increased.”

Vergeire also said health workers have access to counseling after spending two weeks on duty.

The Philippines continues to see an uptick in COVID-19 cases over a year into the pandemic and despite the rollout of vaccines, with 663,794 cases, 577,754 recoveries, and 12,968 deaths as of Sunday afternoon. —KBK, GMA News

If you need or know someone who needs to talk to someone, Hopeline, the 24/7 suicide prevention hotline, may be reached at (02) 804-4673; 0917-5584673