Mental Health
Globe Powers Mental Health Services During COVID-19
Mental health services will be supported by Globe during the Covid-19 pandemic. They will partner with UP PsycServ, HOPELINE, UNICEF, and Bantay Bata 163 to provide free psychotherapy, counseling, and children’s support.
Covid-19 Mental Health Services
The threat of Covid-19 does not just affect us physically. It also affects mental health of patients, frontliners, as well as the regular Juan.
The situation is causing a great deal of anxiety even depression among many Filipinos.
- Related: Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms
To help address this, Globe Telecom partnered with organizations that promote mental health. They are working specifically with the UP Diliman Psychosocial Services (UPD PsycServ) and New Good Feelings (NGF) Mindstrong’s HOPELINE. These organizations extend free counseling or psychotherapy services to those in need.
The Need for a Mental Health Check
“The uncertainties that surround us are a cause of concern for many. And eventually, it may take a toll on our mental health.” This was said by Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications. “Globe hopes to reach out to those in need of support. We want to show our fellow Filipinos that they are not alone in this fight.”
For the duration of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Globe is giving free unlimited call and text to UPD PsycServ. This will allow volunteers to reach out to those who send them messages via text or viber.
Who Can Consult with the Mental Health Services
Anyone affected by the current Covid-19 crisis can make the call. They want to especially help the:
- Frontliners (doctors, nurses, med techs, army, police,
- COVID-19 patients and their relatives
- People under monitoring (PUM)
- People under investigation (PUI)
They may get in touch with UPD PsycServ through text or viber message. Patients can just send a message to with their name and concern to 09063743466 or 09167573157.
Or, they can accomplish the form on the link http://bit.ly/PsycServPH to receive a call from a PsycServ volunteer. PsycServ operates from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Social Distancing But With Open Communication
“Indeed physical distancing is hard but we can still comfort and encourage people. Text man o tawag sa phone, maipapadama ang pagsama.” This was said by Dr. Violeta V. Bautista, PsycServ Director and Clinical Psychology Program Chair of the UP Diliman Department of Psychology.
UPD PsycServ was born in 2017 in response to an increasing number of students with psychiatric conditions and those already suffering. PsycServ is composed of licensed psychologists and psychosocial support specialists. They are trained to give psychological first aid, counseling, and psychotherapy.
New Good Feelings (NGF)
Likewise, Globe provides New Good Feelings (NGF) Mindstrong with free Amazon Connect Private Automatic Branch eXchange (PABX) service. This will enable its responders to continue to receive and process calls from the 2919 HOPELINE even when at home.
The hotline 2919 is toll free for Globe and TM customers. Other HOPELINE numbers are (02) 804-HOPE (4673) and 0917 558 HOPE (4673).
Bantay Bata 163
On the other hand, Globe continues to support ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc.’s Bantay Bata #163 Helpline. This is free for all Globe and TM mobile phone users to make it easier for citizens to report child abuse during the enhanced community quarantine. At this time, we know that children are forced to stay at home and there are homes that can be unhealthy for children.
According to the 2018 report on the Situation Analysis of Children in the Philippines, 2 in 3 children have been victims of physical violence. There are 2 in 5 who are victims of psychological violence, while there’s 1 in 4 who’s a victim of sexual violence. Moreover, there are 2 in 3 who experience of peer violence. Unfortunately, such violence often takes place at home.
Health and Nutrition
Globe is also helping UNICEF amplify its message for health and nutrition, education, and child protection. The organization noted that children are already confused and distressed over the fear and anxiety caused by the uncertainty of the spread of COVID-19.
Mental Health of Frontliners
The mental health and wellbeing of frontline workers should also be addressed and supported. This should continue during and after the outbreak. Health care workers should really take advantage of these free mental health services.
Prior to the pandemic, UNICEF noted that there is already a significant growth in the number of people worldwide experiencing mental health conditions. Half of such disorders started before age 14.
According to UNICEF, up to 20% of adolescents globally experience mental disorders. Meanwhile, suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-19-year-olds worldwide.
- Related: Stop Sharing Suicide Videos
Numbers to Take Note Of
So again, here are the numbers to take note of:
HOPELINE
(02) 804-HOPE (4673)
(0917) 558 HOPE (4673)
UPD PsycServ
(0906) 3743466
(0916) 7573157
