The number of Pangasinenses seeking mental health services has increased amid the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, a mental health service provider here said Monday.

Wundt Psychological Institute owner Dr. Nhorly Domenden said most of their clients this year are teenagers and young adults.

“Confused pa kasi ang mga kabataan, hindi pa sila ganoon ka-equip harapin ang problema. Early adults naman nasa period ng buhay na more challenging (The teenagers are confused, they are not that equipped in handling their problems. The early adults are in the period of life that is more challenging),” he said in an interview.

The top four mental health problems their clients are encountering are depression, anxiety, bipolar mood disorder, and somatic disorder, he added.

“Bipolar disorder is the extreme shifting of moods while in somatic disorder, the person feels different kinds of pain or discomfort but laboratory test results show no illness or disease,” Domenden said.

He encouraged the public to consult mental health experts to avoid severe cases, such as suicide.

Domenden underscored the importance of a strong support group to maintain good mental health especially during this pandemic.

Domenden added they have partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the financial assistance to indigent persons needing mental health services.

The institute offers psychotherapy with prices ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP3,000 per session.

It also offers psychological testing and evaluation, training, seminar, recollection, and team building organizing and facilitating, among others. (PNA)