Trigger warning: mentions of mental health, anxiety and depression.

The Department of Health (DOH) — National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) reported 451 calls to its hotline from 21 December to 26 December, as the end of the year approaches.

The center received most calls during Christmas Eve from individuals aged 18 to 30 years old.

Relationship problems topped the reasons for the calls, followed by family problems, while anxiety and depressive symptoms were observed during the conversations.

The agency reminded the public to be kind and sensitive, and to be understanding of others’ situations during this time.

While people seek immediate answers to their calls, NCMH reminded them to be patient due to the volume of calls.

“Just a little patience, because we know that when times like these come, the calls really increase,” Medical Specialist IV Dr. Rodney Boncajes, MD, FPPA, of NCMH said.

Boncajes also stressed that there are other crisis hotlines from DOH hospitals in different regions and said that the NCMH Emergency Room is open 24/7 for people who require immediate clinical intervention.

There are no holidays for NCMH, and people can contact the center through its crisis hotline at 1553-247.