CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — Health officials are calling for greater awareness and support for road crash survivors not just for the physically injured, but also for those silently suffering from psychological trauma.
This initiative began after road crashes continue to claim lives and injure hundreds across the country.
The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in the MIMAROPA region has issued a public reminder emphasizing the importance of mental health care for both road crash survivors and the bereaved families of those who lost their lives.
“Road crashes don’t just leave physical wounds. They often leave lasting psychological scars as well,” the agency said in a statement, adding that it is critical to recognize and respond to the signs of traumatic stress, which may appear days or even weeks after an accident.
Common traumatic stress reactions include recurring memories or flashbacks of the crash, sleep disturbances or nightmares, avoidance of conversations related to the incident, loss of interest in usual activities, feelings of fear and hopelessness and difficulties in concentration or communication.
The advisory comes in the wake of a series of traffic accidents reported nationwide in recent weeks. While emergency and medical response services remain focused on saving lives, mental health professionals are urging communities to offer emotional support and refer individuals showing signs of trauma to appropriate services.
To help facilitate access to care, the DOH has made its Regional Mental Health Directory available online, enabling survivors and their families to connect with local support providers across the country.
If you have a loved one who has been experiencing intense emotions or noticeable changes in behavior for more than a month, it is important to seek professional help immediately. You may call the 24/7 Crisis Hotline of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) at 0917-899-8727 or 0908-639-2672 for support.
“This kind of support can make a difference not only in recovery but in preventing long-term psychological harm,” health officials added.
The public is encouraged to read and share the information, as even a simple act of awareness may help someone in urgent need of care. (AS/PIA MIMAROPA)
