Reach out, listen, and help prevent suicides

he Department of Health (DOH) appealed to the public to reach out to lonely people who need someone to talk to, in celebration of the World Suicide Prevention Day yesterday, which kicks off National Suicide Prevention Week.

“Simple acts of kindness, gentle words of hope, and listening heart can make all the difference,” Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial said during the SUicide PREvention Run held in Marikina City yesterday morning.

World Suicide Prevention Day embarces the theme “Take a Minute, Change a Life”.

The Philippines, on the other hand, is also adopting the theme “Take a minute, Change a life. Tara, usap tayo!”

The DOH also uses the hashtag “#TalkToSomeJUAN” on social media.

“This year’s theme encourages everyone to devote time and reach out for those who need someone to talk to and allow them to express themselves and their story in their own way and at their own pace…. Remember, you can always talk to someone, give social and emotional reinforcement, live a positive and healthy lifestyle and be with supportive family and friends,” Ubial noted. year, close to 800,000 people commit suicide worldwide.

It is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29.

In the Philippines, 2,558 suicide cases were recorded in 2012.

Ubial said that suicide is preventable and some good ways of preventing such is to talk about it openly instead of shunning the conversations about it; and to observe a person’s behavior.

“Suicide is preventable. One must understand that there is no single approach to resolve an issue as complex as suicide, but talking more openly about it and helping those in distress is a good start of preventing it…. If the person is at a high risk of suicide, ask him or her directly,” Ubial said.

“It is important to discuss the issue openly without expressing fear or negative judgment and remain calm and in control,” she added.

One should also be aware of the warning signs of suicidal behaviors.

“In this generation of advance technology, the public is advised to be attentive to each other’s needs at all times. Know the warning signs of suicidal behaviors such as withdrawing from friends, expressing hopelessness, unexpected joke about suicide, and engaging in self harm. Let us remember always to take suicidal comments very seriously,” she said.

“Be with the person, do not leave them alone, and remove anything that can be used to carry out the intention, inform the person’s immediate family, and keep emergency numbers ready for professional help. You may refer or call the suicide hotline, HOPELINE, at (02) 804 4673, 09175584673 or 2919 toll free for Globe and TM subscribers,” she added.

Ubial further stated that even just a case of suicide has an impact to the nation.

“Each life lost is a tragedy that leaves behind a profound impact on families, communities and the entire nation. World Suicide Prevention Day calls for a collaborative effort from each one of us. Government, non-government, and private organizations must relentlessly support efforts to prevent suicide,” she expressed.

Yesterday’s SUicide PREvention Run, which aims to inform the public that regular exercise is a way to prevent depression and suicide, is only the kick-off activity for the National Suicide Prevention Week.

For the entire week, the DOH together with youth organizations such as Youth for Mental Health Coalition and MentalHealthPH; Philippine Psychiatry Association, and Natasha Goulborn Foundation will hold mental health caravan and forum on suicide prevention in various colleges and universities.

“This year, the DOH together with mental health advocates, stakeholders, and partners will be conducting various activities to promote awareness on the public health impact of suicide and the significance of suicide prevention in saving lives particularly among the youth,” Ubial said.