The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched online mental and psychological assistance today amid COVID-19 pandemic.
This is WiSUPPORT, which aims to provide psychosocial support to individuals or families experiencing panic attacks and other memories caused by the pandemic.
It will use online platforms such as email, web portals, telephone, and mobile applications.
It was launched on April 30 and piloted in Metro Manila, Region 7, and Caraga Region.
“Ang makakausap po ng ating mga kababayang nangangailangan ng services nito ay ‘yun pong ating mga social worker from field offices at ating central office. May mga psychiatrist, psychologist at mental health institutions na kabilang po sa referral network ng WiSupport, sa kanila po natin ire-refer ang mga emergency cases na kailangan ng agarang atensyon,” said DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao.
They work with the Department of Health and the National Center for Mental Health.
They say they have designated interlocutors for those who need help.
In a statement, DSWD said it aims to serve overseas Filipinos experiencing distress, youth in need of special protection, women, persons with disabilities, family heads, and other individuals in families experiencing distress.
WiSUPPORT can be contacted at the following:
- Call Hotlines: 0947-482-2864 (Smart); 0916-247-1194 (Globe)
- Text Hotline: 0918-912-2813
- Email: wisupport@dswd.gov.ph
- Website: ekwentomo.dswd.gov.ph
DSWD offers online psychosocial support amid pandemic
Their app for Android phones can be downloaded here.
Last month, psychiatrist Dr. Bernadette Arcena said it is important to focus on the mental health of people who test positive and recover from COVID-19 because it can have long-term effects.
According to a study of more than 230,000 patients, more than 33 percent or 1 in every 3 COVID-19 survivors were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder or mental health illness, several months after recovering from the illness.
Most of them are said to experience anxiety and mood disorders.
Neurologist Dr. Monica Ang explained that COVID-19 doesn’t just target lungs.
It can also attack the human brain, kill healthy brain cells, and cause serious infections or complications in the central nervous system.
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