3.6 million Filipinos face mental health issues during the pandemic

It can take a toll on us to maintain a healthy state of mind, given that we have been quarantined for over a year already.  The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Wednesday that around 3.6 million Filipinos are combating mental health issues amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief health program officer Frances Prescilla Cuevas of DOH’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau shared that 1.14 million Filipinos have depression, 847,000 have alcohol-use disorders, and 520,000 others were diagnosed with bipolar disorder, as per Manila Standard.

‘This is an understatement. This is a figure that’s underreported because it only tackles a few of the conditions… It only means that we will find more cases if we have more data,’ Cuevas said.

In an article by ABS CBN News, a DOH study presented that contracting COVID-19 can affect a person’s mental health. 1 in every 3 COVID-19 patients was diagnosed with neuropsychiatric condition half a year after being infected with the disease, according to Cuevas.

DOH says at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffering from mental health issues.

DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau chief Frances Prescilla Cuevas: "This is an understatement. This is just a figure na underreported because it only tackles a few of the conditions." pic.twitter.com/c6TPi0yJnV

— Kat Domingo (@_katrinadomingo) May 19, 2021

DOH says of 1,879 Filipino adults surveyed, a quarter said they had moderate to severe anxiety due to #COVID19.

Cuevas: "The coronavirus pandemic is inducing a considerable degree of fear, worry and concern… Marami po sa mga adult Filipinos are highly stressed." pic.twitter.com/QoM8xfT9fu

— Kat Domingo (@_katrinadomingo) May 19, 2021

DOH says 1 in 3 #COVID19 patients diagnosed with neuropsychiatric condition 6 months after contracting the disease. pic.twitter.com/3lzl4cpqsE

— Kat Domingo (@_katrinadomingo) May 19, 2021

 

‘The coronavirus pandemic is inducing a considerable degree of fear, worry and concern… Marami po sa mga adult Filipinos are highly stressed,’ Cuevas shared during the presentation.

Cuevas also added indigent families were provided with cash aid and food packages by the government so they don’t have to worry about survival during the pandemic.

Many crisis hotlines were also launched to help those who are going through mental health issues. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an interview to ABS CBN News, ‘Around 31 percent [of calls in April] are about anxiety and depressive symptoms, and 22 percent referrals to psychiatrists and psychologists.’

You can contact the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) hotline through the following numbers:

1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free)

GLOBE / TM Subscribers
0917-899-8727
0966-351-4518

SMART / SUN / TNT Subscribers
0908-639-2672

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Source: we the pvblic