By: Zabrina Hong
Photo: Jerome Cristobal from Inquirer stock photos
The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) recorded 7,189 suicide-related calls from January to September, according to its latest report.
Data showed that August recorded the highest number of calls at 1,037, followed closely by September with 1,036 and June with 1,002.
NCMH said anxiety and depressive symptoms were the leading reasons for seeking help, followed by issues involving love and relationships, family problems, and requests for referrals. The fifth most common reason for contacting the hotline was the need “for someone to talk with.”
Since the hotline started in 2019, the NCMH has received 115,618 calls, mostly from people ages 18 to 30 and from the National Capital Region (NCR), Calabarzon, and Central Luzon.
NCMH medical specialist Dr. Julius Paul Juen said depression develops through a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. He emphasized that sadness becomes a cause for concern when it starts to affect one’s daily routine and relationships.
“When sadness becomes persistent, when a person feels extremely down, loses motivation or interest in things that once brought joy, that’s a red flag. It can come with sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, or stress eating. All these may indicate depression,” Dr. Juen said.
NCMH data showed that the first eight months of 2025 have already surpassed the total number of suicide-related calls received in 2024. More than two-thirds of this year’s callers are young adults.
Experts also pointed to social media as a growing contributor to poor mental health, noting how people often appear fine online while silently struggling.
“Social media is a tricky place,” Dr. Juen explained. “People post that they’re okay, but deep inside, they’re not. We all need to be responsible and kind with our words online.”
While depression and other mental health conditions are not new, Dr. Juen said more Filipinos are now willing to talk about their struggles and seek help without fear of judgment.
“What helps most is presence, you being there for them, without judgment,” Dr. Juen said.
Those seeking support may contact the NCMH Crisis Hotline toll-free at 1553, or through mobile numbers 0919-057-1553 (Smart/TNT) and 0917-899-8727 (Globe/TM).