A Department of Health report on December 29 revealed that the National Center for Mental Health received 675 calls since December 21. Most callers were aged 18 to 30 and female, citing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and family problems. A clinical psychologist offered advice on managing the emotional load during the holidays.
On Monday, December 29, the Department of Health released a report showing a surge in calls to the National Center for Mental Health since December 21. The hotline received 675 calls, with most from individuals aged 18 to 30 and a majority being female. The primary reasons included symptoms of anxiety or depression, followed by relationship issues and family problems.
Clinical psychologist Rea Villa noted an increase in patients at her practice during the holidays, including many first-time visitors. “From a psychologist’s perspective, ‘yung holidays kasi amplify what we call emotional load. So, ito, combination kasi ‘yung emotional load ng pressure, expectations, responsibilities, and actually, mga unresolved emotions,” she told Rappler.
Villa explained that mental health is influenced by various factors: psychological, such as unresolved grief and past trauma; social, like family conflicts and unsolicited comments; economic, including financial constraints and gift-giving pressure; and biological, encompassing disrupted sleep, increased alcohol consumption, and lack of routine. “ ‘Yung mental health [issue] kasi in general is never caused by just one thing; interaction siya ng stressors without enough emotional recovery,” she added.
For those affected, Villa advised starting with acknowledging one's feelings. “It’s always good to ask why. Bakit ka nalulungkot? Are there reasons for it or ano kaya ‘yun? Introspection ‘yung kailangan, like a deep reflection of yourself and what’s happening would help a lot,” she said. Building social support from people who listen is key, along with personal coping mechanisms like journaling, meditating, or spending time with friends.
If feelings of hopelessness or self-harm thoughts intensify, immediate help is essential via the NCMH Crisis Hotline at 1553. Villa also urged sensitivity in words and actions to avoid hurting others. “ [The] holiday season doesn’t need to be emotionally perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, choosing being gentle, being kind, having that support is the healthiest way to honor the season and to honor yourself,” she stated. As the New Year nears, she encouraged self-kindness, pacing oneself, releasing drains, and carrying forward what aids survival into the coming year.
