The Coronavirus pandemic drastically changed our lives.  When the government imposed the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the whole of Luzon and some parts of the country, almost everything stopped. People are not allowed to go out and do their activities business-as-usual.  Classes in schools were cancelled and work was disrupted. Most of the workforce adopted the work-from-home scheme while some work and businesses either opted for skeletal workforce scheme or completely stopped operation. 

With the rising number of people afflicted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19, people cannot help but fear for their health and safety and that of their family and loved ones.  Constant exposure to negative news such as people going hungry because of having no money to buy food, frontliners risking their lives away from their families, COVID-19 patients, and many other sad stories brough about by this pandemic may take a toll on our mental and emotional health.

According to the World Health Organization, it is normal to feel fearful and anxious during this time. Talking about your feelings and anxiety with other people will lessen your distress.  As of this writing, three (3) local government units in Metro Manila have recognized the need to address the mental health needs of their constituents.

The City Government of Muntinlupa set up a 24/7 Live Chat Program for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) as part of their COVID-19 Disaster Response. The virtual mental health and psychosocial support is being done by the Muntinlupa MHPSS Team who are available for online counseling 24 hours a day. The team offers free mental health and psychosocial support to Muntinlupa residents including referral to other programs and services of the city.  The Muntinlupa MHPSS Team consists of registered psychometrician, nurses, social workers, a SPED teacher and other city government staff.  The public can avail of the service for free just by messaging the Muntinlupa Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/muntimhpss).

Likewise, the Taguig City Government prioritizes not just the physical health of their constituents but also their mental health. Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic is a major cause of stress and anxiety in individuals, the city introduced the Mental Health Support Teleconsultations with the tag line, “Hope is now just a call away”.  It aims to help those with mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and the like.  Taguig residents may call the numbers below for consultations, Monday to Friday.

On the other hand, Mandaluyong City Government in partnership with Rizal Technological University Mental Health Providers launched a free online counseling project for frontliners and COVID-19 suspect and probable cases.  Under the new DOH classification system, people with symptoms but remain untested are classified as “suspect” while those awaiting their test results are the “probable”. Those who will avail of the free counseling service will be counseled by certified and licensed guidance counselors through Facebook and/or messenger.

The Department of Health (DOH) also released a list of centers offering Free Online Psychological Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic through the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP). You may visit their Facebook page for the complete list: www.facebook.com/Psychological-Association-of-the-Philippines-148851815387.

In times like this,  let us not forget to take care of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.  Maintain familiar daily routines as much as possible and take this time to reconnect with your family and with yourself.  Stay at home and stay healthy in mind and body.  (TAR/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)


Click the link below to know more on how to Fight Anxiety during COVID-19:

http://www.nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/luzon/national-capital-region/fighting-anxiety-during-covid-19