Town hall meeting tackles mental health issues

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Taking a resolute step forward in addressing the pressing issue of suicide prevention, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here led this year's Dagyaw Town Hall Meeting, carrying the theme "Pagsabot: Building Resilient Communities for Suicide Prevention."

"We have to understand bakit may nagsu-suicide and we have also to dialogue para maiwasan at tumigil na itong mga insidente ng suicide. We recognize that life’s journey can be filled with challenges, which can have an effect on our mental health and emotional well-being," said DILG-10 Regional Director Wilhelm Suyko, emphasizing the urgency of understanding why individuals contemplate and commit suicide.

Dr. Benson Go of the CDO Treatment and Rehabilitation Center here provided valuable insights into the multifaceted reasons behind suicide.

Contrary to common misconceptions, not all individuals who contemplate suicide endure prolonged battles with depression. He underscored that suicide can result from sudden life reversals triggered by significant events - financial distress, including reduced income, mounting debts, and financial disasters, can serve as potent triggers for suicide. Additionally, the weight of shame and humiliation can drive individuals to make this tragic choice.

"Reputation and a good name are extremely important to most people, so all forms of shame and humiliation can cause suicide," Go said.

Broken relationships, breakups, and divorces were identified as additional factors contributing to suicide. Go highlighted the protective role of strong social connections, emphasizing that individuals with robust social support networks generally exhibit lower suicide rates. Furthermore, some individuals resort to suicide as a reaction to social conflicts, perceiving it as a form of protest, punishment, or escape.

For her part, Maria Dolores Mercado of the Department of Health here offered crucial mental health data during the event, revealing that depression affects an estimated 4.4% of the global population, while anxiety disorders impact 3.6%. In the Philippines, 3.3% of the population, equivalent to 3.3 million Filipinos, grapples with depression. Suicide prevention in Normin

To address concerns about mental health and incidents of suicide, the government has rolled out the National Mental Health Program, which includes resources like the DOH Normin Kamusta Ka Hotline (09973590888) and the Peer Support Group Playbook.

"The Health Promotion Bureau is the one that really goes down to the community for mental health awareness, but this year, we are planning to do mental health awareness. We will meet again with the mental health council and conduct the mental health caravan," Mercado said.

Also, noting that stigma and discrimination couldn't be addressed immediately, the health expert said they are aiming for the patients to go to the centers so that they will be properly treated because if they are just kept or locked up in their homes, they will never get well.

Mercado also urged responsible media reporting on suicide cases, cautioning against the "Werter Effect," a phenomenon where sensationalized suicide reports in the media can lead to copycat suicides.

For his part, Go emphasized the significance of asking with a willingness to listen when attempting suicide prevention. He stressed the importance of helping individuals focus on their reasons for living rather than imposing reasons for them to stay alive.

Being physically present for someone, even just a phone call away, can also make a difference. Go also encouraged the public to inquire about previous suicide attempts, connect individuals to support groups or crisis contacts, and follow up regularly to ensure their well-being.

Khalid Gani, a psychology student at Liceo de Cagayan University, expressed gratitude for shedding light on mental health issues, saying, "Kailangan jud siya na discussion, kailangan jud siya na awareness or like knowledge karon kay ang mental health karon kay very prominent siya and very important,"

He also learned that it is very important to connect with others and constantly follow up, especially when it is difficult for them to share their problems. Gani also pledged to share the helpline information he learned at the event with friends and family.

The event also featured creative expressions of support for suicide prevention through the AVP (audio-visual presentation) and poster-making contests. Looc National High School secured first place in the Avp-making contest, while Chelder Jia Teneza from Capitol University claimed the top spot in the poster-making contest. With the commitment of various stakeholders and increased awareness, the Dagyaw Town Hall Meeting served as a vital step toward building resilient communities and preventing suicide in the region. (Recthie T. Paculba)