DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — Public and private high school students here were told to “Start the Conversation,” a theme that calls for action for mental health and suicide prevention.
In observance of World Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month, Silliman University organized a mental health and suicide prevention seminar on Oct. 12, at the Silliman Hall.
The activity is in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) through the efforts of the Silliman University Student Government’s Student Rights and Welfare (SUSG STRAW) Committee and the Office of Community Engagement and Service-Learning (OCESL).
“We are proud that SUSG STRAW, alongside other student organizations and faculty members at Silliman University, is championing mental health awareness,” said OCESL director Novee Maestrecampo Jr.
In a press statement, the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7), emphasized the importance of addressing the risk factors for suicide while strengthening protective factors to promote the well-being of Filipinos.
“Depression and other mental health conditions can strike anyone at anytime,” stated DOH-7, adding that “mental health issues and suicide remain as a major global and regional concern.”
This year’s observance highlights the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides or to shift from the culture of silence.
The seminar gathered student leaders from six DepEd schools, including Dumaguete City National High School, Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial – Dumaguete Science High School, Camanjac National High School, Junob National High School, Taclobo National High School, and Piapi High School.
Silliman University students, representing various organizations, also actively participated in the event, creating a diverse and dynamic dialogue on mental health awareness.
One of the highlights of the event was the creation of tear-away posters by the student participants.
These posters, containing both national and Dumaguete suicide hotline numbers, were distributed to the participating schools, serving as a tangible reminder and resource for suicide prevention.
Maestrecampo said the seminar aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention within their schools and communities.
“By fostering an open dialogue, the event aimed to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage student leaders to be proactive in their roles,” he added.
SUSG STRAW chair Urseevi Tubio Jr., a senior BS Psychology student, noted how the annual observation provides an avenue for the youth to contribute to the campaign in raising awareness on mental health issues.
“’Start the Conversation’ is our way, as student leaders, to contribute to breaking the stigma around mental health and to help high school leaders recognize warning signs that may otherwise go unnoticed,” said Tubio.
“Our keynote speakers effectively delivered the realities of how Filipinos perceive mental health, and how student leaders can use their influence to drive this cause forward,” he added.
Tubio also highlighted the responsibility of student leaders in ensuring they cause a positive impact on their peers.
“It’s crucial that they are equipped with the skills to address mental health concerns, such as active listening and carefully choosing the right words when engaging with individuals who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Equally important is learning self-care, as one cannot care for others without caring for themselves first,” he explained. (JCT/PIA-7 Negros Oriental with reports from OCESL, SU)
