A change in behavior may signal someone needs help — DOH

It is possible to recognize mental health problems by changes in a person’s behavior. Image: Voyagerix / Istock

MANILA, Philippines — Has the behavior of a loved one changed dramatically over time? If yes, then that person might need your help.

Mental health problems can be recognized by a change in a person’s behavior to indicate that he or she needs help, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday.

Frances Prescilla Cuevas, chief health program officer of the DOH’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, says it’s important to pay attention to changes in an individual’s behavior because that could be a red flag or a sign they seek help.

“So may mga kumbaga pagbabago sa kanyang ginagawa noon na usual na ginagawa at ngayon po ay parang na-notice na parang may pagbabago dyan then that is already a sign or red flag na baka po nangangailangan po siya ng tulong,“ Cuevas said in the Laging Handa public briefing.

(So, if you notice a change in the person’s usual behavior, that’s already a red flag that someone needs help.)

Cuevas is advising to speak to the individual and try to understand their situation.

“So ang pwede po natin gawin ay pwede po natin siyang kausapin. Tanungin mo siya kung ano po yung kanyang mga nararamdaman at kung ano po ang iyong pwedeng maitutulong at mayroon po tayong mga hotline numbers na pwede ninyo tawagan for example,” she said.

(We can talk to them and find out how they’re doing and what you can do to help. We’ve got hotlines, too.)

Changes in behavior could include a sudden quietness that usually occurs in someone who is normally conversing with family and friends, sleeping excessively or too little, and avoiding the basics such as taking baths, Cuevas said.

As well as a behavior change, Cuevas suggested looking out for an increase in stress and anxiety levels, impacting mental health.

People were reported to have experienced stress and anxiety due to the uncertainty that the pandemic brought with it.

“People really cannot anticipate what is going to be happening, so anxiety levels are still there. The stress levels are a little bit high,” she mentioned.

A survey conducted by the multinational professional services firm Deloitte in 2020 revealed that 57 percent of millennials in the country feel anxious or stressed during times of pandemics.

READ: Stress and PH millennials amid pandemic: What surveys found

For those seeking assistance or wishing to assist their troubled loved ones, Cuevas said the National Center for Mental Health is on standby to assist those in need of assistance.

To reach the agency, dial 1553, which is a nationwide toll-free number, or call 090718998727 or 09663514518.

It doesn’t matter whether the individual is in need or just seeking advice, Cuevas said, adding that anyone could call the hotline.

— Sofia Vertucio, trainee

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