Photo by Phoemela Nicole
This photo is currently circulating on social media. It claims that the Philippines now has a “Depression & Suicide Prevention” hotline. This is for people who suffer from depression. It aims to give them a safe place to discuss their situation with someone who understands.
It reads the caption:
” If ever you can’t talk to your friends/family about your depression or how bad it has become and you fear of what you can do to yourself, please please please just pick up the phone and try to call this depression and suicide prevention hotline: 804-4673 (HOPE). A site says it’s open 24/7 so please, no matter what time it hits you, don’t think that you’re bothering anybody by reaching out when you need to.
(For the others, don’t argue that their friends and family should be the ones they should be talking to about this because sometimes it isn’t the best option for them at the moment, or probably they did try before but are dismissed as just having a “bad day” or they’ve had several episodes before that they feel like they are already a burden to the people around them.
And for you, dear one, please, above everything else, please take care of yourself.)
*TYPO ERROR: should be Philippines’, was such in a hurry ????
*EDIT/UPDATE:
This hotline is run by the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation. They also have a cellphone number if you don’t have access to landline: 0917-558-HOPE (4673). If you want to know more about this foundation, go over here: https://www.ngf-hope.org/contact-us/You could also call the Manila Lifeline Centre: 02-896-9191 or 0917-854-9191″
It is said to be run by NGF (Natasha Goulbourn Foundation)
Screencap from ngf-hope.org
Their website gives support to those who are depressed. It also shows helpful articles in understanding their state.
It is such a beautiful endeavour. Thus, we tried to verify the hotline. Here’s what we found out:
- 0917 558 HOPE (4673) – Not in service
- Manila Lifeline Centre: 0917-854-9191 – My network said “The number is incorrect”
- 2919 – Called 5 times. No one was answering
A netizen shared her experience with the hotline as well:
Also, we asked the OP regarding the legitimacy of this hotline. She said:
“Yeah, someone working on NGF’s (foundation responsible for this endeavour) technical team actually messaged me and said they’re working on improving the system. Indeed there was problem connecting to the line and our tean has sorted it out most recently. We are continually improving this, so feedback like yours is appreciated.” So I hope they’ll be able to improve the system soon so it could help people.”
Have you tried calling this suicide prevention hotline when you needed it the most? How was your experience? Or do you know any other hotline to help those battling depression? Share your thoughts with us!
