CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10, the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-7) emphasized the critical role of communication in preventing suicide, urging the community to be proactive in addressing mental health concerns.
Ryard Jude Pepito, nurse V of the Non-Communicable Diseases Section of DOH-7, revealed that suicide cases are on the rise in the country.
“Base sa atong datos, nagkasaka na ang kaso sa suicide. It is a pressing issue in the community,” said Pepito during the Kapihan sa PIA program on Sept. 11.
(Based on our data, suicide cases have been increasing. It is a pressing issue in the community.)
From 2020 to 2024, suicide cases have been rising, which prompted DOH to steer its suicide and mental health programs to focus on raising awareness.
“Based on our data, we received 513 suicide-related calls from 2018 to 2023. This is a wake-up call for our legislators and political leaders to prioritize mental health in policy-making,” Pepito shared.
Taboada noted that suicide-related cases are most prevalent in the 18 to 30 age group.
“The highest rate of suicide cases is in individuals aged 18 to 30, and it is alarming that we are also seeing data from our partner institutes showing cases as early as 9 years old,” Taboada said.
This highlights that suicide does not discriminate based on age, with cases spanning from young children to the elderly.
Pepito emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs such as social isolation, mood changes, and expressions of suicidal thoughts.
He underscored the role of community-based support programs like ‘Tabang Paglaom’ at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, which was established to address the growing issue of suicide and other mental health problems.
‘Suicide prevention is everyone’s concern’
Pepito said reaching out and asking for help can go a long way in helping prevent suicide.
“Adunay mga tao nga dili ka express sa ilang kaugalingon. Aduna’y mga problema nga giagi-an so, angay kining sulti-on maski unsa ka dako or unsa kagamay atong problema sa kinabuhi dapat andam kitang maminaw usab kanila because this is everyone’s concern,” he explained.
(There are people who struggle to express themselves. They are going through difficult times. It is important to talk about these issues, no matter how big or small our problems in life are. We must be ready to listen to them because this is everyone’s concern.)
Pepito also noted that communication, awareness, and intervention strategies are key in addressing the issue.
“We need to listen to people who are struggling. Whether their problems seem minor or overwhelming, we must be ready to lend an ear because this is a concern that affects us all,” he added.
DOH health program officer II Jan Vinhery Taboada said the “biocycle theory of suicide” explains that the biological, psychological, and social factors often interact and contribute to suicidal thoughts.
This theory is particularly relevant in situations involving personal crises, societal issues, peer pressure, and bullying.
DOH has been actively coordinating with the Department of Education (DepEd) to tackle bullying in schools, a key risk factor for suicide among the youth.
“We have trained DepEd personnel to help prevent bullying and reduce its impact on students,” Pepito added.
Expanding mental health services
DOH-CVCHD has made significant strides in expanding mental health services in Region 7.
As of 2023, 25 primary care facilities across the region are equipped with community-based mental health programs, a significant increase from the initial eight access sites.
These facilities offer medicine distribution, and other mental health services, making them accessible to people in both urban and rural areas.
DOH has also set a goal to capacitate rural health workers to address mental health concerns including counseling aside from medicine distribution in their respective communities, ensuring that mental health care reaches every corner of the region. (MYP/PIA7)
