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As World Suicide Prevention Day was celebrated on September 10, the Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public that taking care of mental health is crucial to better cope with uncertainties amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The importance of mental health initiatives is as crucial as those of the Covid-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, we need to promote integral health, where we are taking care of the body, mind and even spirit ”, said Secretary of Health Francisco T. Duque. DOH, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), is raising awareness of the importance of public mental health during this time of uncertainty.
The DOH noted that the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) has revealed a significant increase in monthly calls to depression-related hotlines, with a five-fold increase from 80 calls before the lockdown to nearly 400.
The Philippines, however, has consistently ranked in the Top 5 of a global optimism index.
Globally, the most vulnerable population is people aged 15 to 29. Mental health-related deaths are also the second leading cause of death in this age group. These numbers illustrate the need for more conversations and programs that break the stigma around mental health.
Most of the time, Filipinos are not comfortable sharing their mental health problems for fear of alienation or prejudice.
DOH has launched a multisectoral approach to mental health with programs and interventions in a variety of settings (eg, workplaces, schools, communities) targeting high-risk groups. The commemoration of the World Suicide Prevention Day also draws attention to the plight of those suffering from severe forms of depression.
Another project is the development of a multisectoral national suicide prevention strategy, including psychosocial services such as the NCMH “Kamusta Ka ?, Tara Usap Tayo” crisis hotline, launched on May 2, 2019. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week first aid. UPD Diliman Psychosocial Services (UPD PsychServ) has also provided free phone counseling to those in charge. RA 11036 or the Mental Health Act requires the provision of comprehensive suicide prevention services that encompass crisis intervention and a nationwide response strategy.
“I know how difficult it has been for Filipinos to endure the setbacks brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine to prevent further transmission of Covid-19. Many people have been unable to work or have lost their jobs, some may have had difficulties returning to their home provinces or have been affected by the loss of loved ones or are separated from their loved ones. This continues to be an especially stressful time. Someone in your community, workplace, family or circle of friends, or even you may feel desperate, isolated and feeling like you have no reason to live, ”said Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative in the Philippines.
“We are not facing this alone. With compassion and understanding for others, we can recognize the signs and educate ourselves on how to access help. We all have a critical role in suicide prevention by connecting socially with affected people and connecting people to mental health services or healthcare, ”he added.
DOH said the following could help:
• Let them know that you care about them and that they are not alone, feel empathy for them. You could say something like “I can’t imagine how painful this is for you, but I’d like to try to understand.”
• Don’t judge. Don’t criticize or blame them.
• Show that you are listening by repeating the information they have shared with you. This can also ensure that you have understood them correctly.
• Ask about their reasons for living and dying and listen to their responses. Try exploring your reasons for living in more detail.
• Ask them if they have felt this way before. If so, ask how your feelings changed last time.
• Reassure them that they won’t feel this way forever.
• Encourage them to focus on getting through the day rather than on the future.
• Volunteer to help them find professional help. If necessary, offer to accompany them during their session with a licensed therapist.
• Follow up on the commitments you make.
• Make sure someone is with them if they are in immediate danger.
• If you are not sure how to help, contact medical professionals for guidance.
Remember that you don’t need to find an answer, or even fully understand why they feel the way they do. Hearing what they have to say will let them know at least you care, ”DOH said.
Those who need help can contact the NCMH Crisis Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1553, 0917 899 8727 (USAP) and / or 7-989-8727 (USAP).
