DOH: Be sensitive as holidays  not a happy time for everyone

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public reminder to exercise sensitivity and consideration over the holidays, as not everyone celebrates the season in the same way.

“While many are celebrating, there are some who are quietly facing sadness, mourning or other heavy emotions. A reminder from DOH, be sensitive and understanding to what others are experiencing,” it said on a Facebook post on Wednesday, Christmas Eve.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa earlier said in a briefing that “we also see many cases of suicide, depression actually occur during the holidays.”

“I was in the emergency department for 40 years. Sometimes, they will come to you saying they have chest pain, having difficulty in breathing, but it turns out their problem was in mental health,” he said.

“They’re lonely. Their families are elsewhere. Their parents are working abroad. They are sad this Christmas instead of happy. So, these [feelings] somatize,” Herbosa added.

The health secretary stressed the importance of taking care of one’s mental health, given the era of social media. He noted that some people “can see their friends happily spending time with their family,” while they have to celebrate the holidays alone.

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Moreover, “when reunions come, you see the relatives that you don’t want to see, you see them in family reunions. They will ask you … ‘When will you get married? When are you having kids? You’ve been married for a long time,’ those kinds of teasing questions,” Herbosa said.

For mental health concerns, the DOH said helplines will remain ready to offer assistance throughout the holiday season. Those who need help may call the National Center for Mental Health at 1553, 0919-0571553 and 0917-8998727.