Depression is heavy.

If you’ve experienced it, you know just how significant its weight can be—and bearing the burden of that load?

Far too many will carry it silently due to shame and stigma. But that doesn’t need to be the case. We can save lives by making it easier for those suffering to reach out for help.

This can include seeking professional help from a psychotherapist or getting medication.

There are also lifestyle changes—like getting enough sleep, adopting a meditation practice, spending time in nature, and going for a walk.

Depression is like losing a sense.
Sometimes it’s numbness, not sadness.

If you can’t believe yourself, believe your loved ones.
Repeat after me: Recovery is not a competition.
If you can’t survive tomorrow, just survive today.
Never forget: You are a survivor.

If you find yourself or if you know someone suffering in a challenging emotional situation and need to speak to a trained counselor, calling a helpline, crisis line, and or suicide hotline offers a great way to be heard and get sound advice.

You are not alone.

Below is a list of the Philippines’ helplines, crisis lines, and suicide hotlines. Please choose one and call the appropriate number.

The person who answers is likely to be able to guide you to the right place if they can’t help.

Hopeline
Hopeline is a 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis support helpline in the Philippines.
PLDT: (02) 804-4673
Globe: (0917) 558-4673
Toll-free for Globe/TM: 2919

In Touch Community Services
In Touch Community Services offers 24/7 free and confidential support to people in the Philippines.

Tel: 8937603 (telephone)
Tel: 09178001123 (cellphone)
Tel: 09228938944 (cellphone)

Tawag Paglaum—Centro Bisaya
Tawag Paglaum—Centro Bisaya offers 24-hour telephone service for people in Cebu who are in suicide and emotional crisis. They can listen to your thoughts and refer you to professionals in your vicinity who would surely be able to effectively and fully help you.

Tel: (0939) 937-5433
Tel: (0927) 654-1629

The National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline
The National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline offers 24-hour service to people in the Philippines who are depressed or at risk of suicide.
Tel: (02) 989-8727(telephone)
Tel: (0917) 899-8727 (cellphone)

Manila Lifeline Centre (MLC)
Manila Lifeline Centre (MLC) is a tele-counseling hotline that focuses on suicide prevention, awareness, and support.
Tel: (02) 896-9191
Tel: 0917 854-9191

RAPHA Helpline
RAPHA Helpline offers support to people across the Philippines who are suicidal or in crisis. The helpline is accessible from Mondays to Fridays 8 AM to 5 PM.
Tel: 0961-7182655

CARAGA Open Helpline
CARAGA Open Helpline offers free psychosocial support to people across the CARAGA region.
Tel: 0945-359-2632
Tel: 0948-224-1857
Tel: 085-817-6548