MENTAL HEALTH. The Department of Health Center for Health and Development in Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) launched its Tara Usap Tayo Hotline on June 22, 2020. It has been addressing mental health issues in the region amid the pandemic. (Photo courtesy of DOH-CHD-1 Facebook page)
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Department of Health Center for Health and Development in Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) is addressing mental health issues in the area amid the pandemic through its Tara Usap Tayo Hotline.
In an interview on Thursday, DOH-CHD-1 information officer Dr. Rheuel Bobis said the hotline was launched on June 22 with the increase in depression cases and suicide incidents in the region.
As of October, the hotline received over 453 calls ranging from queries on mental health services in the region, calls from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients, callers experiencing feelings of anxiety and having family problems, and remote psychological first aid (PFA) provided to deployed healthcare.
“This is part of DOH-CHD-1’s program for enriching mental health. Callers are assisted by registered psychologists and psychometricians,” he said.
Bobis highlighted the importance of communicating one's emotions and still maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle during this pandemic to improve mental health.
“You may call 09618151416 or 09454914447, the Tara Usap Tayo Hotlines,” he added.
From January to October this year, DOH-CHD-1 recorded 65 suicide cases in the Ilocos Region.
Of the total number, 26 were from Pangasinan, 14 from La Union, 15 from Ilocos Norte, and 10 from Ilocos Sur.
Most of the cases involved the 25 to 54 age group, and were mostly males.
The suicide cases’ probable causes were family problems, love problems, death of loved ones, personal problems, poverty, Covid-19-related, and mental illness, among others. (PNA)
