SUICIDE prevention continues to be a universal challenge and every year, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for people of all ages.
A report by the World Health Organization showed that about 800,000 people, or one person every 40 seconds, commit suicide every year.
The youth should learn more about their mental health to cope with crises they encounter, said UST Psychotrauma Clinic director and consultant Fr. Edgardo de Jesus.
“Mental health should teach the youth how to manage their crisis, their depression, their anger. [I]n the advent of the Mental Health Act, it is important that people become aware not only of physical health but also mental health,” de Jesus said in an interview with the Varsitarian.
De Jesus stressed that individuals must stop the stigma of going to therapy and see the benefits that it has to offer.
“Kapag sinabi [mo sa iba] na pupunta ka sa isang psychologist or psychiatrist, negative agad [ang tingin ng tao sa iyo],” he said.
(If you tell others that you will go and visit a psychologist or psychiatrist, they often view that negatively.)
De Jesus also said people undergoing mental health problems should not be afraid to reach out for help from others.
“Mahalaga dito kung paano sila mag-open and magkuwento. Ang mahirap kapag sinarili nila [‘yong nararamdaman nila] kasi doon tayo nagkaka-problema kasi iba [ang paraan ng] coping nila. Negative coping is suicide or addiction or early marriages. Mental health is helping them manage their crisis and episodes in life,” De Jesus said.
(It is important to be open and to tell your situation to others. The problem comes when a person keeps the situation to himself or herself, because each one has a different way of coping. Negative coping is suicide or addiction or early marriages.)
He said people must help those undergoing depression to look at the brighter side of life.
“Empowering them to find meaning in their lives psychologically and spiritually can make them realize that life is so beautiful,” he said.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention marks World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) every Sept. 10.
“Working Together to Prevent Suicide” was the theme of this year’s WSPD.
The event aims to raise awareness about suicide, mental illnesses, and ways to reach vulnerable individuals and get them to receive help.
‘Culture of presence’
University religious organizations emphasized their advocacies regarding suicide prevention based on a pastoral letter written by Archbishop Jose Advincula of Capiz in July.
Catherine Villo, vice president for Christian renewal of UST Pax Romana, called on the faithful to take the initiative to be with people who encounter problems that could trigger mental health issues.
“As Church people, we should make them feel that they are loved by many. [I]t is our duty to help them overcome their problems by showing them that they matter,” Villo told the Varsitarian in an online interview.
Villo added that people must be aware of the vital role of the presence of others in one’s life despite difficult times.
Maria Elena Perez of the service council of the UST Christ’s Youth in Action, said one must be willing to care and pray for someone in times of distress.
“It is very important that they know they are loved and not alone; that someone is willing to listen, support and understand them where they are, instead of labeling someone by their condition,” Perez said.
Adonis Evan Basa Jr. of Dominican Network Youth Group stressed the need to strengthen the “culture of presence” in society.
“Sometimes, organizations are so focused on their projects and activities; we fail to see the need of our members. Ministry of presence is being present to and for others – taking time to just simply listen, to accompany a sad person, and to assure someone afraid,” Basa said.
Fr. Conegundo Garganta, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Commission on Youth, said support is given to Church-related programs that seek to prevent suicide.
“We laud and acknowledge faith-based efforts on suicide prevention, such as the activities organized by the CBCP-ECC, the pastoral letter of the Archbishop of Capiz, various mental health activities organized by diocesan youth ministries and Catholic youth organizations.”
