MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 612 calls to its Hopeline Philippines mental health hotline on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, reflecting the emotional challenges many Filipinos face even during the most festive season. The volume—while lower than peak days—highlights persistent mental health needs amid holiday stress, family pressures, loneliness, and economic strains.
Hopeline (available 24/7 at 0917-558-4673, 0918-873-4673, or 02-8804-4673) provides free crisis intervention, suicide prevention counseling, and referrals. Common concerns on December 25 included:
- Depression and loneliness (especially among OFWs abroad or isolated individuals).
- Family conflicts exacerbated by reunions.
- Financial worries amid holiday spending.
- Suicidal ideation (a portion of calls required immediate intervention).
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire noted: “The holidays can amplify feelings of sadness or anxiety for some—these calls remind us mental health support must be year-round, stigma-free, and accessible.” The agency urged reaching out early, emphasizing “it’s okay to not be okay.”
Compared to non-holiday averages (~400-500 calls/day), the Christmas spike underscores the “holiday blues” phenomenon. Hopeline, partnered with NGOs like the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, has handled tens of thousands of calls in 2025, with trained counselors offering empathetic listening and coping strategies.
If you or someone you know needs help, call Hopeline—support is just a dial away, any day of the year.
Hotline Snapshot (Christmas Day 2025):
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Calls | 612 |
| Common Issues | Depression, loneliness, family stress |
| Hotline Numbers | 0917-558-4673 / 0918-873-4673 / 02-8804-4673 |
| Service | 24/7 free crisis support |