The uncertainties and challenges brought about by the pandemic continue to take a toll on mental health. To help the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) in its service to provide free, reliable and confidential psychological support, Google now instantly shows the NCMH Crisis Hotline on Search.

By simply typing in suicide-related keywords on Search such as “suicide prevention,” the NCMH Crisis Hotline immediately shows up without opening the website. This is to also prompt people online to seek professional help during their vulnerable state.

Launched in 2019 by the Department of Health, in partnership with NCMH, the Crisis Hotline is a 24-hour service meant to respond to mental health-related queries. It connects the public to mental health professionals to provide necessary counseling and proper triaging to those who are in crisis.

The Search query result also features the link to the NCMH official site which contains more information and contact details.

According to the NCMH data, there was a significant increase in monthly hotline calls in 2020 regarding depression, with numbers rising from 80 calls prelockdown to nearly 400, including a monthly average of more than 50 suicide-related concerns.

“Let’s make it a habit to check in on ourselves and others and consult a professional if needed. There is always help and hope,” said Bernadette Nacario, Google’s country director for the Philippines.

“Many Filipinos are grappling with stress, anxiety and other mental health issues. We want them to know that they are not alone and that we are ready to help,” said Frances Prescilla Cuevas, head of the Department of Health’s National Mental Health Program.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at toll-free

Luzon-wide landline 1553, 0966-3514518, 0917-8998727 (Globe/TM) and); 0908-6392672 (Smart/Sun/TNT).