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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NCMH receiving more calls from adolescents --- DOH exec

NCMH receiving more calls from adolescents --- DOH exec

Published Aug 10, 2021 06:53 pm

(PIXABAY)

The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) has been receiving more calls from adolescents amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said.

The number of calls at the NCMH hotlines has been increasing since last year---across all age groups. Most of the callers were in distress or asking information on healthcare providers near them, said DOH-Mental Health Division Consultant Dr. Agnes Casiño in an online forum on Tuesday, Aug. 10.

“What’s alarming yung mga younger ones, medyo mga bata, calling that they wanted to talk to someone for mental health consultation or services. Medyo tumataas din yung calls na yun (What’s alarming are the younger ones, calling that they wanted to talk to someone for mental health consultation or services. Calls from them are increasing),” said Casiño.

“Most of them ay mga nasa adolescence. Most of them, ang calls nila ay yung stress from school, yung nasa bahay lang at hindi sila makalabas. Ganoon ang mga concerns nila. But so far wala namang extreme na cases talaga that they are really in distress that’s why they called (Most of them are in adolescence. Most of their calls are due to stress from school or they are unable to leave their houses. Such are their concerns. But so far there are no extreme cases where they are really in distress that’s why they called),” she added.

As of this writing, the DOH has yet to provide additional information on the total number of calls from adolescents and other age groups.

Casiño, meanwhile, advised the public to “connect with others” to cope with the stress that they are experiencing.

"Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. During times of increased social distancing, people can still maintain social connections and care for their mental health," she said.

"Phone calls or video chats can help you and your loved ones feel socially connected, less lonely, or isolated," she added.

Other healthy ways to cope with stress include: taking deep breaths, stretching, or meditating. Eat healthy and well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and make time to unwind, said Casiño.

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ADOLESCENTS National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)
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