DOH on suicides: Don’t trivialize depression

Following the high-profile suicides of two international personalities, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday called on the public to pay attention to people experiencing depression.

In an interview, DOH Undersecretary Herminigildo Valle said depression should not be trivialized so that appropriate help could be extended to those experiencing it.

“We should all know the warning signs of depression so that we can help those who are suffering from it. But now in the Philippines, there is still a need to raise awareness about this condition,” he noted.

According to Valle, depression accounts for 20 percent of calls received by the DOH Suicide Hopeline since its launch last September.

A majority of calls were from people aged to 13 to 29, added Valle.

“We don’t have good data on suicide in the Philippines but in 2012, there were 2,550 recorded suicide. (Worldwide) it is the second cause of death in the 15 to 29 age group,” he added.

Almost 90 percent of suicidal individuals manifest symptoms that could easily be detected if one is aware of them.

“If people start to withdraw from usual activity, or always isolate themselves and even express their thoughts, you should be alert. So it’s really important for companions and family members to know the warning signs and to actively seek help,” Valle said.

The other signs of suicidal behavior are expression of hopelessness, unexpected jokes about suicide and engaging in self-harm. Comments about depression should be taken seriously, the DOH official said.

Valle added that it is important to pay attention and not be judgmental when communicating with people who may have suicidal thoughts, to help prevent fatal consequences.

Valle made the call following the deaths of designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain last week in the US and France, respectively. The two were reportedly suffering from depression.

Last June 6, 33-year-old Ines Zorreguieta, the youngest sister of Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, died presumably of suicide in Argentina.

Suicide Hopeline can be reached at (02) 8044673; 0917-5584673 or 2919 toll free for Globe and TM subscribers.