AS SOCIETY DEVELOPS at a gradual but hopeful pace, discussions about topics that were once viewed as taboo and unimportant became relevant as a steppingstone to improvement. One such topic is the reality of mental health and the issues surrounding such. Suicide continues to be among the leading causes of death worldwide, with a portion of it involving the youth.
With this alarming phenomenon, the World Suicide Prevention Month, held during the month of September, serves as a medium in acknowledging a sensitive yet significant topic. As we commemorate this month, we have provided a list of local hotlines and campaigns not only to spread awareness, but to provide proper help and care to all the Bedans out there.
National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)/Crisis Hotline (Landline: 1553, Phone Lines: 0996 351 4518, 0917 899 8727, 0908 639 2672)
The National Center of Mental Health (NCMH) was first established as the Insular Psychopathic Hospital, formally opening on December 17, 1928, through the Public Works Act 3258. Aiming to reach those who are in need of psychological help but do not have the means to do so, an hour session with a psychiatrist or psychologist at the NCMH can cost a minimum of Php400 at their outpatient department (OPD), with an additional Php20 for first-time visitors as they give out your Patient’s Identification Card that would be needed with each visit
On the other hand, the NCMH Crisis Hotline provides free and confidential support and counseling through phone calls, available nationwide and operates 24/7. They would connect a trained counselor in assisting the caller, providing for an empathetic and compassionate ear.
In Touch Crisis Line (+63 917 800 1123, +63 922 893 8944, +632 8893 7603, +63 919 056 0709)
Established in 1980, In Touch Community Services provide mental health assistance through its volunteer-driven organization, varying in different community programs such as subsidized counseling, internship to those who wish to become part of their professional clinical team, and community support in local communities. Accordingly, they offer counseling and psychiatric consultations through video conference platforms or face-to-face sessions, either by the will of the client or as suggested by the attending counselor.
In addition to these, their Crisis Line offers a free, anonymous, and confidential helpline for those in need of immediate emotional support. Available 24/7, only professionally trained responders assist the callers from the other line. With exemption for their Crisis Line, most of their counseling services are available from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during Saturdays.
Tawag Paglaum – Centro Bisaya (Landline: (02) 8804 4673, Globe: 0937 654 1629, Sun: 0939 937 5433)
Stationed in Cebu City, Tawag Paglaum – Centro Bisaya is a program run by the government, specifically the Department of Health Region 7, in collaboration with the Vicente Memorial Medical Center. Its core service is primarily to provide free counseling for Filipinos nationwide through their aforementioned hotlines. Callers are assured to be attended by responders who are mental health professionals, responding from an emphatic nature through active listening in a non-provocative and non-aggressive manner. In some cases, callers are being referred to support groups or available facilities nearest to their location.
Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services (Landline: (02) 8426 5924)
With the purpose of assisting Filipinos since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychology started offering free Brief Psychological Services (BPS) to Filipinos from different regions nationwide. Active since 2019, they deliver various services such as counseling and psychotherapy; psychological testing and assessment; psychological workshops; and intervention programs in assisting the mental wellness of those who contact them. This center also acts as the research center of the university’s Psychology department, integrating research findings into their clinical practice.
As of 2021, they have offered over 5,000 counseling sessions, both funded by the university and through donations. In the same year, they were recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with the 2021 Gawad Edukampyon Award for their contributions to public services and community engagement during the height of the pandemic.
From the University’s Lens
Mari Okol, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council (SC) President and a senior from the Department of Psychology, stated that despite the existence of these hotlines and campaigns, “there still is a gap between communicating with people that, of course, mental aids are available,” emphasizing the need for the platform to be well communicated to the people for such to be accessible.
In terms of University-level actions, Okol revealed that several steps have been undertaken by the SC and Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO) when it comes to addressing the students’ mental health issues. “Recently, we’ve also communicated with the guidance office towards yung available na measures nila, procedures nila, in counseling, and I think we’re taking a step there,” she added.
Okol also mentioned the role of the SBU Freedom Wall Facebook page in identifying the grievances of the students and its effects on someone’s mental health. “As much as possible ayoko dumidipende sa Freedom Wall…I really don’t wish to empower it any longer, and whilst I do support freedom of speech, the amount of negativity that’s taken towards the Freedom Wall is something that should be stopped. Hindi kami nag popromote ng hate speech or cyberbullying. So, accessibility, ending stigma, and also ending the vicious cycle of cyberbullying that is very adamant towards the Bedan community.”
Finally, she left a message of support to those who continue to deal with these issues and those who wish to be of assistance to people in need, saying “First and foremost, you’re not alone…What I could say towards people who wish to help others is that there is no perfect and written way on how to give mental health support, but at the foremost, it’s just being a good listener…At the end of the day, yung mga people na nag–sstruggle, kailangan talaga nila is ‘yung taong papakinggan sila.”
As we observe Suicide Prevention Month behind the local lens, it is important to acknowledge the existence of these campaigns and hotlines, not only for the sake of awareness, but as well as to be a steppingstone of its accessibility, leading to nationwide consciousness. By then, we would gain the ability to finally challenge the stigma and foster a country to be a safe environment for those who struggle.
In lending a hand, not only do we reach out to others, but we also bridge a gap between those in need and the potential safe space of a country to heal and grow in.
(With Samantha Calderon)