World · Philippines Bureau
Mental health crisis hotline sees surge in calls from troubled youth
The National Center for Mental Health's round-the-clock crisis line has experienced a fourfold increase in call volume since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with a sharp rise in young people seeking help for self-harm concerns.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) is reporting a dramatic surge in emergency calls to its 24-hour crisis hotline, reflecting growing mental health challenges among Filipinos in the post-pandemic era.
According to NCMH leadership, call volumes to the crisis service have quadrupled since the onset of COVID-19, with a particularly concerning trend emerging among younger callers. The facility has documented a notable uptick in contacts from youth struggling with self-harm issues, underscoring the deepening psychological toll the pandemic has inflicted on the nation's young people.
Dr. Noel Reyes, chief of the NCMH, has emphasized the importance of the hotline as a critical lifeline for Filipinos in mental health crisis. The service operates continuously at 1553 or 1800-1888-1553, providing immediate support and intervention to callers experiencing psychological distress.
The surge in call traffic highlights the ongoing need for accessible mental health resources across the country. Mental health advocates have urged the public to utilize the NCMH hotline and other support services, stressing that professional help remains vital for those grappling with psychological challenges.