The Commission on Human Rights stressed the need to maintain mental health amid the pandemic on World Suicide Prevention Day Thursday.
The CHR said the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City recorded an increase in the number of suicide-related calls from an average of 33 monthly from January to March to 66 in April, 80 in May, 112 in June, and 115 in July this year.
"Among the top reasons the callers have cited for calling is due anxiety-related concerns, inquiry regarding hospital services, and the need to talk to someone," said CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected people's physical health but also their mental health, she said.
De Guia said that the increase of suicide-related calls only shows how Filipinos are stressed over the health crisis and fearful of getting sick, troubled by economic uncertainty, and suffering from prolonged social isolation.
"As the government continues to prevent and treat the spread of COVID-19, a mental health pandemic is brewing," she said.
The problem is exacerbated by the decision of many companies to shift towards work-from-home arrangements as well as the online delivery of classes, De Guia said.
The CHR said there is a need for government policies and social institutions to work closely with civil society to help bring greater awareness on the importance of mental health.
"Recognition of the importance of mental health as a significant factor towards overall individual health is the first step towards ensuring parity of attention is given to both physical and mental health," said De Guia. "As we aim for this standard of parity, let us start with ourselves by acknowledging and giving regards to those afflicted with mental health problems."
She added that each individual life lost to suicide is a tragedy that affects countless families and communities. It represents their lost chance to help someone who had been facing great difficulty, and they would be living their lives with regret, wondering what they could have done to help the afflicted.
The government passed Republic Act No. 11036 or the Mental Health Law to ensure the protection of mental health and improve the mental healthcare facilities through the integration of mental health services down to barangays. De Guia said the law is "a positive step towards promoting and protecting mental health."
The CHR commended medical frontline workers, including psychiatrists and counselors, who have been working tirelessly to comfort those who suffer from mental health problems. The Department of Education (DepEd) has limited screen time for students attending online distance learning (ODL) to prevent stress and burnout.
"As we weather this pandemic, let us learn to carry each other’s burdens. If we cannot give consolation, the best we can do is to be there for those who need help. This World Suicide Prevention Day let us offer each other our time, presence and together we shall carry each other’s burden," said De Guia.