A DECEMBER 30 post by the Department of Health DOH) on Facebook about close to 1,000 calls of mental health issues was widely publicized by mainstream media, as if this was the first time it was happening to the country.
To recall the mental health crisis reached its peak during the pandemic of 2019 to 2020 when mandatory lockdowns, social distancing and work and school stoppage were enforced.
Hospital deaths that rose by the day, including those of medical frontliners, were reported as mere numbers with the survivors hardly ever seeing their suffering loved ones.
SEASON OF HOPE
It is myopic for the DOH to cite (emotional problems) relational break-ups to be the cause of mental health – even suicide – particularly during the Christmas season when the country, which is dominantly Catholic and Christ-centered projects love and compassion more during the season of giving.
A more plausible reason for the nearly 1,000 calls during the Christmas holiday, most of which were logged by DoH on December 30, could be: unemployment; job security and global economic uncertainty that could affect the aspirations of many young people to seek and land jobs abroad for better wages.
Mainstream media, citing the DOH FB post, said a total of 961 callers reached to its Mental Health hotline at the National Center for Mental Health from December 1 to January 2.
The number of callers rose on December 30, 2025, mainly due to relationship or love-life problems, anxiety, and depressive symptoms,” the DoH added.
EXEC’S ADMISSION
DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said it was the first time the department tracked the number of calls to the mental health hotline.
Those in need of mental health support may call the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 or contact 0919-057-1553 and 0917-899-8727.
Domingo said that every call the NCMH hotline receives is considered a life saved.
On December 26, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa urged the public to exercise sensitivity and consideration during the holidays, noting that not everyone celebrates the season in the same way.
EXERCISE SENSITIVITY
He added that the DOH also observes an increase in suicide and depression cases during the holiday period.
Asked if 961 distressed calls are high, Herbosa told Inquirer that there is no cut-off in mental health to label a situation as alarming or not; what matters is that the DOH is ready to assist anyone who wishes to call.
KEY FINDINGS
The most common reasons for seeking help were: Relationship problems (including “love-life” issues); Anxiety symptoms; Depressive symptoms; Family problems and loneliness. Most callers were young adults aged 18 to 30, and the majority were female.
Health authorities noted that the holidays, while a time of celebration for many, can be a period of heightened emotional and psychological strain for others due to various stressors like family conflicts, financial issues, and social media pressure.
This was the first time the DOH actively monitored and released total call numbers for the specific holiday period, making direct year-over-year comparisons difficult.
AXA 2025 REPORT
Insurance company, AXA Philippines, said in its 2025 Mind Health Report that Filipinos aged 18 to 34 experience significantly higher levels of stress and mental health problems than their global peers, mostly triggered by financial instability and job insecurity, even though they are among the most proactive in seeking help.
A World Health Organization report released on September 1 said that globally, one in seven people aged 10 to 19 experiences a mental disorder.
It also noted that depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29.
People in mental distress may seek help through the NCMH hotline at 0917-899-USAP (8727) for Globe; 0908-639-2672 for smart; or 1553 (landline to landline, toll-free).
You may also call Hopeline PH: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673 or visit ngf-mindstrong.org and its Facebook account: Hopeline PH.
MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z
AXA’s 4th edition report noted a surge in stress, anxiety and depression among Filipinos, yet mental health remains stigmatized and overlooked.
The report focused more on the working population’s mental health and wellbeing and providing actionable solutions to mitigate them.
Raising awareness and fostering open discussions are crucial to ensuring access to support and resources for all.
The AXA report reveals alarming rates of mental distress among young Filipino employees, particularly 18-24-year-olds, who are disproportionately affected by severe anxiety, stress, and depression compared to older age groups. In fact, 48% of 18-24-year-olds and 42% of 25-34-year-olds reported suffering from mental health conditions, significantly higher than the total population (34%) and their older counterparts.
When it comes to employee expectations for mental health support, 83% of Filipino respondents agreed that mental health benefits and initiatives are very important and will influence their decision to stay in their current company. Specifically, 43% said that companies can better support them by providing access to mental health professionals, while 38% mentioned extended medical policy to cover mental health care.
UNHEARD, UNDERVALUED
Many young employees feel unheard and undervalued in the workplace.
Based on the report’s Mind Health Index (MHI) mental illness is categorized — in four distinct states: flourishing, representing the pinnacle of good mind health; getting by, describing those who may have some areas of good well-being but not enough to reach the state of flourishing; languishing, representing the absence of positive wellbeing; and struggling, reflecting the absence of wellbeing in most areas – a significant portion of under-25s is “languishing” or “struggling” with their mental well-being, often due to difficulty in acknowledging their own challenges or seeking assistance.
Of those surveyed, 29% said that training/coaching to managers on how to be a good people manager can help them have a better workplace experience.
Two out of three would also ask support from their manager due to work impact on their psychological well-being. This means, employees are open to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns, if given the opportunity such as during regular check-ins, one-on-one meetings, or team discussions.
Actively seeking feedback and acting on it may also show employees that their opinions matter.
SUFFERING BURNOUT
One third of those surveyed admitted experiencing burnout, with a higher incidence among the youth.
This is because young professionals are more likely to find work demands unmanageable, making it difficult for them to keep up with the pace of change. Additionally, they may lack the soft skills needed to better manage their workload, as they are just beginning their careers.
Beyond offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, flexible hours, and generous vacation policies, 38% of surveyed Filipinos said that it’s important for them to also have mental health care days, or any programs that encourage them to take breaks, disconnect from work during non-work hours, and prioritize their well-being.
The report said that younger generations are particularly affected by issues such as technology addiction, social media, body image, and uncertainty about the future. When these concerns are coupled with lack of proper guidance and awareness, they can lead to feeling lost and disengagement.
While learning and development training sessions for career advancement encourage employees to explore their interests and develop new skills, 49% of Filipino respondents shared that they also appreciate access to comprehensive mental health resources, including workshops that improve their mental health knowledge and practice. Such special well-being courses can help them better manage and understand certain psychological stress that they may experience at work.
WORKPLACE CULTURE
Of the total respondents that experienced burnout due to work, two out of five were not satisfied with the way their company reacted or provided support. This shows how further companies still have to go.
The report also identified common obstacles to care among young people, including stigma, financial concerns, and apprehensions regarding confidentiality.
This emphasizes the need for more young people to access the right support and find a safe space that can safeguard their mental well-being during this crucial phase of their lives.
A workplace that openly celebrates diversity, encourages teamwork, and recognizes employee contributions, not only fosters social interaction and team building but also strengthens relationships and, ultimately, cultivates a sense of community.
MENTAL RESILIENCE
Rea Villa, senior psychologist of Mind You, emphasized, “Initiatives like these not only provide immediate relief from stress but also play a crucial role in building psychological resilience over time.
Regular access to counseling and mindfulness practices can significantly reduce the risk of long-term mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, by equipping individuals with coping mechanisms and promoting emotional regulation.”
Through its partner, Mind You, an organization committed to providing cost-effective, accessible mental health support for both individuals and large working communities, AXA Philippines offers healthcare and critical illness plans that cover mental health counseling by licensed psychologists.
Within the organization, AXA recognizes the importance of employee well-being and has implemented various programs and initiatives to support its workforce. A range of Mind Health initiatives were made available such as access to free counseling services, stress management workshops, and mindfulness programs.