The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) on Thursday underscored the importance of seeking professional help early to prevent delays in treating mental health conditions that could affect a person’s daily functioning and well-being.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, NCMH Medical Center Chief Dr. Noel Reyes said Filipinos often dismiss emotional distress as temporary because of their perceived resilience, while stigma and cultural beliefs discourage them from seeking timely intervention.

He said recognizing changes in a person’s ability to function at work or school, care for themselves, and maintain social relationships is crucial in determining when to seek professional consultation.

“So iyang three levels of functioning na iyan ‘no, sa trabaho o sa eskuwelahan, sa kanyang pangsarili, sa social interactions ‘no, ay kapag naapektuhan na iyang functioning levels na iyan ay dapat na po talagang magpakonsulta (When these three areas of functioning –work or school, personal life, and social interactions– are already affected, it is important to seek professional consultation),” Reyes said.

He cited difficulty sleeping, neglect of personal hygiene, social withdrawal and declining performance at work or school as warning signs that should not be ignored.

Reyes said stigma remains a major barrier to early intervention, particularly because of cultural beliefs surrounding shame, resilience and spirituality.

He also warned that excessive social media use, cyberbullying and prolonged online gaming could affect sleep quality, increase anxiety and the risk of depression, and contribute to social isolation.

To encourage early help-seeking, Reyes advised parents to listen to children experiencing emotional distress without dismissing their feelings or comparing their problems with those of older generations.

He highlighted the importance of open communication and regularly checking on young people facing pressures involving identity, self-esteem and peer acceptance.

Reyes said professional mental health services are accessible through the NCMH, which provides free outpatient consultations, medicines, laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures, as well as zero balance billing for admitted patients.

The hospital also maintains a 24/7 crisis hotline and emergency services.

“Seeking help is strength po, hindi po ito kahinaan ng loob ‘no (Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness), reaching out for support is really a courageous act,” Reyes said. (PNA)