10/10/2026
October 10, 2026, is World Mental Health Day, and it reinforces the importance of making mental health part of our everyday conversations.
In the Philippines, it is estimated that 11.3 to 11.6%, or approximately 12.5 million Filipinos, live with mental health disorders (Team, 2026). A person can attend class, go to work, meet with friends, attend events, and carry on with their responsibilities while quietly dealing with stress, grief, anxiety, and other mental health difficulties. Because these struggles are often unseen, it can be easy to overlook how much someone may be carrying.
Part of changing the way we talk about mental health must also be matched by improvements in the systems that support it. Laws such as the Guidance and Counseling Act (RA 9258), the Psychology Act (RA 10029), and the Philippine Mental Health Act (RA 11036) have established a legal framework for professional mental health services and recognized the rights of people living with mental health conditions (Mina, 2024). However, having these laws is only part of the work. Institutions must continue to strengthen their implementation, improve access to mental health services, and foster communities where seeking help is accessible and accepted.
The surrounding stigma must change not only at the institutional level, but also in our everyday conversations. Struggles surrounding mental health should not be something we address only when someone reaches a crisis. Prevention, early support, and spaces where people can speak openly about their experiences are equally important. Creating such spaces begins with how we respond when someone chooses to share what they are going through. A listening ear, an absence of judgment, and the willingness to understand can sometimes matter more than having the right words or solutions. Challenging harmful stereotypes, avoiding dismissive language, and reminding others that seeking professional help can also help make vulnerability feel safer and less shameful (Mayo Clinic, 2026).
That same compassion must also be extended inward. Acknowledging when things are difficult, giving yourself time to rest, and recognizing when you need support. Reaching out to a trusted person or a mental health professional is not a sign of weakness, but an act of taking care of yourself.
Let us continue creating spaces where people feel heard, understood, and safe enough to speak about what they are going through. And if you are struggling yourself, please remember that you do not have to carry it alone.
Available mental health services and local hotlines:
UPLB Office of Counselling and Guidance
Facebook: UPLB OCG
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +63 975 019 3583
UPLB University Health Service:
Facebook: UPLB UHS
Email: [email protected]
Landline: (049) 536-6238
Globe: 0967-317-8385 or 0998-346-6070
Smart: 0961-578-9139
National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)
Facebook: NCHM Crisis Hotline
Phone: 1800-1888-1553
In Touch Community Services
Website In Touch Community Services
Phone: +63 2 8893 7603
Tawag Paglaum - Centro Bisaya
Facebook: Tawag Paglaum - Centro Bisaya
Phone: 0966-467-9626
HOPELINE PH
Facebook: HOPELINE PH
Phone: (02) 8804-4673
