Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24) — The Department of Health supports the plan to tap religious leaders to provide guidance, enlightenment, and support to those struggling with their mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ang Pilipinas, we are highly religious. We always turn to prayers when things go bad…Tinitingala sila ng ating kababayan, malaking tulong kung makakausap nila para magkaroon ng appeasement ang ating kababayan na nakararanas ng depression,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Monday.
[Translation: The Philippines is a highly religious country. We turn to prayers when things look bad. The church leaders are looked up to. It will help if they can reach out so those who have depression can be appeased.]
Inter-agency Task Force chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. has expressed concern following the reported increase in suicide cases brought about by the health crisis and loss of jobs, saying the help of church and religious leaders are badly needed.
Vergeire also said families play an important role in the mental health of their members, saying they should be vigilant if an individual is showing signs of depression or anxiety.
She also urged those undergoing alarming changes in their mental wellbeing to call the National Center for Mental Health Crisis hotline.
“Hindi porket tumawag kayo sa hotline ay loko-loko o mayroon kayong sira sa ulo. It is okay not to be okay especially in this situation na mayroong pandemiya,” she said.
[Translation: Calling the hotline does not mean you’re crazy. It is okay not to be okay especially in this pandemic situation.]
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged the government to hire more guidance counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health experts to help the public cope with the health crisis. He said the national government and local government units should prepare facilities for counseling and treating people with psychological problems.
If you are in need of mental health support, please call the 24/7 National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at (0917) 899-8727 or (02)7-989-8727 or 1553 (Landline-to-landline only).
