Manila, Oct. 12 -- The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) on Thursday underscored the importance of seeking professional help early to prevent delays in treating mental health conditions that could affect a person's daily functioning and well-being.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, NCMH Medical Center Chief Dr. Noel Reyes said Filipinos often dismiss emotional distress as temporary because of their perceived resilience, while stigma and cultural beliefs discourage them from seeking timely intervention.

He said recognizing changes in a person's ability to function at work or school, care for themselves, and maintain social relationships is crucial in determining when to seek professional consultation.

"So iyang three levels...