Suicide-related calls surge to 35% of mental-health hotline, youth callers on the rise
Calls about suicide now account for 35% of the government’s mental-health hotline traffic, with younger people increasingly reaching out, NCMH reports.
The National Center for Mental Health announced that suicide-related inquiries now represent 35% of calls to its round-the-clock crisis hotline, a rise from 10% before COVID-19, and that callers are becoming younger. Dr. Noel Reyes stressed that asking for mental-health help shows courage and self-awareness, urging youths not to wait until distress is overwhelming. He called on adults to respond empathetically, avoiding dismissive comments, and to watch for signs such as school avoidance, nightmares, physical complaints, or expressions of hopelessness.
In the wake of a recent school shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, NCMH highlighted the importance of monitoring behavioral changes among children. The agency provided the 24/7 hotline numbers 1553 and 0919-057-1553 and free video-call support via its website.
Why it matters
Rising suicide-related calls and younger callers signal growing mental-health risks that require urgent public attention.
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