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[av_heading heading=’ What drives people to commit suicide? ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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ILOILO City – Since 2015, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recorded 22 suicide cases and five failed suicide attempts. The youngest to commit suicide was 14 years old.
But Councilor Candice Magdalene Tupas, a doctor by profession, believed the number could be higher.
“The parents or guardians would want to keep it to themselves,” she said.
The leading causes of suicide are depression, extreme sadness and inability to manage problems, said Tupas.
“Parents or guardians who notice changes in their children’s behavior should immediately seek professional help,” said Tupas.
The councilor believed there were unreported suicide cases or suicide attempts.
“Mental health problems could not only be solved by family members. These need professional help,” she stressed.
Tupas, however, acknowledged that access to mental healthcare and support system is limited.
“We should intensify public education and mandate the setup of support system in schools and communities to help prevent suicides,” said Tupas.
Suicide is a growing health concern globally. It is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24, said Tupas.
In the Philippines, the rate of youth suicide is relatively low compared to neighboring countries
“However, we should not take this lightly as the rates of suicide in the Philippines have been on the rise,” she said.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office has Psychosocial Support Prevention wherein minors, parents and family members who suffer mental illness undergo an orientation, evaluation and counseling.
“(But) the most basic support each of us can give in case any of our family members or friends have suicidal thoughts is to immediately reach out and talk to them, or seek psychiatric help for them,” said Tupas.
In Region 6, there are 30 psychiatrists assigned in different government hospitals in Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Capiz and Antique. Tupas said there is a need to expand the number of psychiatrists, especially child psychiatrists.
Among the hospitals which have psychiatric wards are Western Visayas Medical Center, West Visayas State University and Pototan Mental Health Unit in Iloilo.
Recently, the Iloilo City government in partnership with Lingap Diwa offered a mental health screening to 200 city hall employees.
The screening includes insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, neuropathic pain, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and past stroke.
Tupas said suicide most of the time happens in stages, but it usually starts with suicidal ideation wherein persons imagine committing suicide, and planning hose and when to do it. (With a report from the Iloilo City PIO/PN)
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