CBCP Issues Pastoral Guide on Mental Health, Urges Compassion

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday issued a pastoral exhortation on mental health, calling on Catholics, communities, and institutions to respond with compassion, accompaniment, and stronger support systems to those who are struggling. CBCP president Archbishop Gilderoy Garcera said the document was the product of prayer and discernment, crafted to help address the growing mental health challenges confronting Filipino families and communities. “This would answer many challenges — in families, Basic Ecclesial Communities, and even government offices. Many do not know where to go, whom to talk to, or who will guide them. That is why we prepared this guideline, especially in view of suicide and mental health struggles,” Garcera said at a press conference. He also appealed to the media to help raise awareness, saying the Church’s response is rooted in prayerful reflection and a deeper understanding of the realities faced by many Filipinos. Zamboanga Archbishop Julius Tonel noted that the pastoral exhortation should be understood within the context of Catholic teaching. “The Church teaches that life is sacred; therefore, suicide is wrong. But this teaching also demands compassion. We must not be judgmental but instead walk with those who are suffering. The important word is accompaniment,” Tonel said. He underscored the need to strengthen counseling programs and expand outreach to people experiencing mental illness, adding that priests, parishes, and lay ministries must work together to provide care and support. The CBCP said the exhortation recognizes mental health as both a pastoral and social concern and calls for greater collaboration among families, communities, the Church, and public institutions to ensure that those in distress are met with empathy, hope, and appropriate assistance rather than isolation. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline) Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.