Chalssea Kate Echegoyen

People visit the Manila dolomite beach in Manila on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022. 

Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/file

Article (news)

Christmas at Dolomite Beach

Kaxandra Salonga

ABS-CBN News

<p>QUEZON CITY – Anxiety levels are rising among Filipinos as economic pressures and environmental stressors continue to affect households, a mental health expert said.</p><p>In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, Philippine Psychiatric Association President Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal emphasized that feelings of fear and worry in today’s situation are valid.</p><p>“It’s a normal reaction to something na abnormal. Ang situation ngayon kasi ‘yung abnormal, but ang reactions natin are very valid… hindi arte-arte lamang kung tayo ay nakakaranas ng anxiety, pangamba, takot,” Perez-Rifareal said. </p><p>However, she advised the public to focus on what they can control amid ongoing challenges.</p><p>“Siguro focus tayo sa kung ano ang mga things within our control. Kung kinakailangan talaga, magtitipid. Kung kinakailangan, mag-shift muna sa walking o bisikleta. It calls for creativity on how to go about this difficult situation,” she added.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2026/2/12/tagging-people-with-mental-health-conditions-weak-is-dangerous-expert-warns-2016">Tagging people with mental health conditions ‘weak’ is dangerous, expert warns</a></div><p>Perez-Rifareal also highlighted the importance of teamwork within households, especially in managing stress and daily responsibilities.</p><p>“Teamwork sa family, mag-designate kung sino-sino ang pwedeng mga mag-takeover, household chores kung kinakailangan,” she said.</p><p>She stressed that proper rest and self-care are crucial in helping individuals make sound decisions during stressful times.</p><p>“Self-care, self-love, unahin natin yun. Number one, kaya sometimes hirap tayo to makapag-focus, makapag-decide, come up with the right decision kasi kulang sa tulog,” she said.</p><p>Building support systems at home, in the workplace, and within the community is also key to coping with stress, she added.</p><p>“Know na meron at meron laging handang tumulong sa atin. And never lose hope,” Perez-Rifareal said.</p><p>Authorities remind the public that seeking help is a sign of strength, especially during difficult times.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>For those experiencing depression you can call the DOH mental health crisis hotline: </em></div><p>1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free) </p><p>1553</p><p>180018881553</p><p>09190571553</p><p>09178998727</p><div> </div><div><strong>Natasha Goulbourn Foundation hotline:</strong></div><p>(02) 804-HOPE (4673)</p><p>0917 558 HOPE (4673)</p><p>0918-873-4679</p><p>2919 (toll-free number for GLOBE and TM subscribers)</p><div><strong>In Touch Crisis Lines</strong></div><p>8893-7603</p><p>09190560709</p><p>09178001123</p><p>09228938944</p><div><strong>Hopeline PH:</strong></div><p>8804 4673</p><p>09175584673</p><p>09188734673</p>

<p>Anxiety levels are rising among Filipinos as economic pressures and environmental stressors continue to affect households, a mental health expert said.</p>

Anxiety levels are rising among Filipinos as economic pressures and environmental stressors continue to affect households, a mental health expert said.

Expert shares tips to manage mental health impacts of rising costs, environmental stressors

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Expert shares tips to manage mental health impacts of rising costs, environmental stressors

Kaxandra Salonga,

ABS-CBN News,

Published April 10, 2026 05:28 PM PHT

Read More:

Mental Health

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