Yolo: On mental breakdown
Last January 6 of this year, another suicide incident happened in Gaisano Mall of Davao. Fortunately, the person was saved by the boxes of clothing piled in the area where he was supposed to fall.
The incident already happened four times in the mall since 2014. It has been reported that what driven these individuals to commit suicide was due to personal and family problems, a cause of depression.
Depression is a mental condition of extreme and prolonged sadness or feeling of self-worthlessness that may lead to ending one’s life, if not cured. Scientifically, this can be triggered with certain life events. Depression is also caused by a decrease in serotonin. The decrease of such hormone will result to observable symptoms like loss of interest in activities that you enjoyed before, containing one’s self in a certain room, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, easy loss of temper, and withdrawal from friends and family.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data as of March 2018, 300 million people of all ages globally suffer from depression. Of which, closer to 800,000 people commit suicide every year. In addition, the 2011 WHO Global School-Based Health Survey revealed that in the Philippines, 16% of students between 13 to 15 years old have seriously considered attempting suicide while 13% have actually attempted suicide once or more times.
Adverse life events, such as poverty, is one of the contributing factors for most of the suicide among adults. Another factor is bullying, which is prone among teens.
WHO has recommended effective preventive tips to get out of depression and avoid suicide.
First, if you feel that you may be heading to depression, talk to someone that you trust about your feelings. You can also talk to God in a prayer. Unloading the baggage of your negative emotions may help lighten you up.
Second, be aware of persistent negative thoughts and self-criticism and try to replace them with positive thoughts. Congratulate yourself on your achievements.
Third, continue doing things you have always enjoyed, even when you don’t feel like it. Maybe going for a nature adventure will do.
Fourth, avoid or restrict alcohol intake and refrain from using illegal drugs, these can worsen depression.
Lastly, stick to regular eating and sleeping habits and exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk. A sound mind comes along with a healthy body.
Don’t foget to consult from an expert on antidepressant medications.
Always remember that our existence in this world is temporary and too short to waste. Live life to the fullest with God above all for you only live once (Yolo).
I keep on mentioning this but it’s the versatility in terms of communication [and] in terms of dialect that you find here [that makes Davao home]. Maybe we call the Dabawenyos resilient people because these are people who obviously had been to so many challenges – we talk about security problems, peace and order – but we’re still here and we still believe in Davao and what it has to offer. CAPTAIN RONALD GO