Establishing of ‘depression hotline’ urged

THE Bacolod City Council has approved a resolution urging the City Health Office (CHO) through City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to have an active depression hotline number that Bacolodnons could immediately contact and report cases of depression.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Israel Salanga, was approved during the regular session of the City Council on Wednesday afternoon, April 18.

Salanga, chairperson of the City Council committee on government assets, said depression due to grief, regret, loss, break-up, a painful heartbreak can develop into a mental health condition and if kept unmanaged, in worst case scenario, could lead to infliction of self-harm or committing suicide.

He said a readily available hotline provided by the CHO that any person who is experiencing depression could call or communicate and seek advice for initial action or response would be very helpful in preventing the serious adverse effects of depression which is self-infliction.

He added that there are many non-government organizations (NGOs) in Bacolod City advocating mental health who are open to coordinating with the local government unit to improve the mental health of its citizens and avoid the serious effects that depression brings.

Salanga noted that the city government may tap the services of psychiatrist, a doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders and are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems, to give advices to those who call the hotline number or to train casual employees so that they could properly give advice to those who are seeking help regarding depression.

Salanga said that based on research, there are activities which could lessen the negative effects which depression brings such as but not limited to adequate sleep, physical and mindful exercises, verbal and written expression of causes of one's depression, practicing self-compassion and connecting with loved ones and friends.

“These are some of the activities to lessen the negative effects of depression hence person who are experiencing depression must be informed and taught on how to do these activities,” he said.*