Quezon City Urges Men to Seek Mental Health Services
MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government is urging men to seek mental health services and support when they need it, emphasizing that it’s OK not to be OK. This call comes as part of the city’s observance of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month this June.
Local leaders encourage more men to break the silence around mental health challenges by reaching out for help. They stress the importance of open conversations to reduce stigma and promote well-being among men across the city.
Men’s Mental Health Services: Addressing the Gap
According to data cited by city officials, Filipino men often struggle to recognize emotional distress and hesitate to access professional help, despite rising mental health issues nationwide. Only 27 percent of Filipino men reported they would seek professional assistance for depression, one of the most common mental disorders, even after noticing symptoms.
In Quezon City, the problem is similar. Only one in five patients using mental health services is male, despite men representing 53.5 percent of the 21,156 individuals recorded with mental or psychosocial disabilities. Moreover, men accounted for 84 percent of the city’s suicide cases last year.
Cultural Barriers to Seeking Help
Dr. Ramona Abarquez, officer-in-charge of the Quezon City Health Department, attributes these figures to cultural norms that discourage men from seeking care. “Denial, lack of self-awareness, and stigma often discourage men from seeking care. For many, asking for help is wrongly perceived as weakness. But true strength lies in vulnerability and self-care,” she explained.
“With only 20 percent of men seeking help, systemic reforms are urgently needed,” Abarquez added. “Expanded services, targeted awareness campaigns, and the destigmatization of emotional vulnerability are essential if we are to save lives and promote true well-being.”
Changing Expectations and Expanding Services
Mayor Joy Belmonte aims to challenge traditional expectations that men must always be strong and emotionless. “Men are often expected to be tough and unyielding, but we must challenge that narrative,” she said. “We are all just humans. There’s nothing wrong with crying, being emotional, or seeking help. These are not signs of weakness, but of courage and resilience. Every man deserves to be heard, supported, and healed.”
To improve access, Quezon City has expanded its gender-inclusive mental health services. All 67 city health centers now offer free mental health consultations and screenings. Additionally, six Mental Wellness Access Hubs provide assessment, diagnosis, and free prescriptions for qualified patients.
Residents can also call Helpline 122 for immediate psychosocial support and crisis intervention. Call agents are trained in suicide prevention, psychological first aid, and trauma-informed care.
Community Support and Training
Barangay officials throughout the city have received training to assist residents experiencing trauma, especially survivors of violence, disasters, or loss. This community-level support aims to provide timely help and reduce mental health risks among vulnerable groups.
For more news and updates on mental health awareness, visit Filipinokami.com.