DOH-6 launches Mental Health crisis hotline

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

The Department of Health-Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-WV CHD) launched its regional hotline for mental health concerns, hoping to bring their services closer to the people especially those at mental risk.

The Mental Health Connect Crisis Line will provide persons with mental health concerns with effective and immediate mental health services through phone and online, offering psychological first aid, psychosocial support, health education, and referral services.

Dr. Aimee Marie Gayomali, head of the Integrated Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Program, which oversees the DOH-WV CHD’s mental health services, explained more about the crisis line.

Gayomali said that the crisis line was in response to the rising cases of suicide in the region amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“To address these [mental health] emergencies, the [DOH-WV CHD] has established the Mental Health Connect. This crisis hotline shall provide immediate services through effective hotline and online health responses,” she said.

“We aim to prevent loss of life due to suicide, provide immediate response to mental health crises, improve availability and accessibility of mental health services, and provide psycho-education through non-educational modes of information dissemination,” she explained.

DOH-WV CHD Local Health Support Division chief Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia said that this was a “big step” for the regional office in achieving its goal for “more accessible and more responsive mental health and psychosocial support” in the region.

“We all know that depression has no phase and there have been increasing number of cases of depression, most especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, and anyone can and may have depression, and there are those who are silently suffering,” Sta. Lucia said.

“[W]e need to be at the forefront of creating better solutions to help them. Mental health crises can happen to anyone at any time, and having this Mental Health Crisis Line where we can call and find support in just one click or tap, can really save the lives on many people,” she added.

In his recorded message, DOH-WV CHD Regional Director Dr. Adriano Suba-an highlighted the importance of mental health services, especially in the current pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic, rising suicide cases, and increased incidence of mental health conditions in the region remind us that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our campaign to raise awareness on the different mental health issues and our efforts to improve mental health care in the region should not stop. Instead, it should be amplified during this health crisis,” Suba-an said.

“We need to continue to inspire more people to be mentally resilient and to make them aware that it is okay to not be okay. Asking help and availing mental health services are not signs of weaknesses but signs of courage and hope,” he added.

The launch coincides with the 4th anniversary of the signing of Republic Act No. 11036 (Mental Health Act), which outlines the national mental health policy and provides for the establishment of greater mental health support for the people.

Persons who may be experiencing mental health concerns may reach out through the Mental Health Connect Facebook page, @mhconnect1 on Instagram, and 0917-775-9256 and 0998-532-4047 via mobile, Viber, and Whatsapp.