MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has urged men in the city to avail of mental health services and seek help when needed, reminding them that “it’s OK not to be OK.”

In observance of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month this June, the QC government encouraged more men to reach out for support to help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and promote open conversations about well-being.

Citing data from the Department of Health, the Quezon City government on Tuesday said Filipino men continue to struggle with acknowledging emotional distress and accessing professional support, despite the rise in mental health challenges.

Only 27 percent of Filipino men said they would seek professional help for depression—one of the most common mental disorders—even after recognizing the symptoms.

The trend is similar in Quezon City, where only one in five patients accessing mental health services is male.

This is even though the majority, or 53.5 percent, of the 21,156 individuals with recorded mental or psychosocial disabilities were men.

Additionally, 84 percent of the city’s total suicide cases last year involved male individuals.

QC Health Department officer-in-charge Dr. Ramona Abarquez attributes these figures to deeply rooted cultural expectations.

“Denial, lack of self-awareness, and stigma often discourage men from seeking care. For many, asking for help is wrongly perceived as weakness. But true strength lies in vulnerability and self-care,” Abarquez explained.

“With only 20 percent of men seeking help, systemic reforms are urgently needed,” she said. “Expanded services, targeted awareness campaigns, and the destigmatization of emotional vulnerability are essential if we are to save lives and promote true well-being,” she added.

Mayor Joy Belmonte wants to change these deeply rooted cultural expectations for men.

“Men are often expected to be tough and unyielding, but we must challenge that narrative,” she said.

“But we are all just humans. There’s nothing wrong with crying, being emotional, or seeking help. These are not signs of weakness, but of courage and resilience. Every man deserves to be heard, supported, and healed,” she added.

To bridge the gap in access and awareness, the Quezon City government has expanded its gender-inclusive mental health services by ensuring that all 67 city health centers offer free mental health consultations and screenings.

The city also operates six Mental Wellness Access Hubs, which provide assessment, diagnosis, and free prescription medication to qualified patients.

Quezon City residents can dial Helpline 122 for immediate psychosocial support and crisis intervention. Call agents are trained in suicide response, psychological first aid, and trauma-informed care.

Barangay officials across the city have also been trained to assist residents experiencing trauma, particularly survivors of violence, disaster, or loss.