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[av_heading heading=’ Know suicide risk red flags – DOH ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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Tuesday. September 12, 2017
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ILOILO City – When someone says he wants to commit suicide, take him seriously.
This is one of the red flags to watch out to prevent someone from killing himself, according to Dr. Mary Ann Sta. Lucia, coordinator for violence and injury prevention of the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6.
Western Visayas ranks high in the list of regions with suicide cases, according to Sta. Lucia.
In Iloilo City alone this year, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) recorded five cases from January to June. The youngest to commit suicide was 22 years old and the oldest was 74. Both were males.
Suicide cases fall under DOH’s Violence and Injury Prevention Program which cuts across the department’s mental health program because “80 to 95 percent” of people committing suicide have mental conditions, led by cases of depression, said Sta. Lucia.
“There is really a need for everyone to be aware of the warning signs,” she stressed.
Among the signs, said Sta. Lucia, were a dramatic change in mood, behavior or appearance; giving away of valued possessions; behaviors that are life-threatening; dark themes in music or artwork; history of suicide; and loss of important persons through death, break-up or suicide, among others.
“We need to talk to people who manifest behavioral changes,” said Sta. Lucia.
Data from the Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System showed Western Visayas ranking No. 3 in hanging or strangulation (method of suicide) cases in the third quarter of 2014. It moved up to the top spot during the fourth quarter of the same year, she revealed.
The region remained on top of the ranking in the first two quarters of 2015, moved down to third place during the third quarter of the same year, then moved to the second spot in the fourth quarter of 2016.
“Let us not be complacent. When someone says he wants to commit suicide, take the remark seriously,” said Sta. Lucia.
Last year, the ICPO recorded 13 suicide cases with a 19-year-old lad as the youngest victim; the oldest was a 63-year-old man.
Iloilo City councilor Candice Magdalene Tupas, a doctor by profession, said the leading causes of suicide are depression, extreme sadness and inability to manage problems.
“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.
Sta. Lucia said DOH-6 has a program to address violence and injury prevention, especially among youngsters. Under its Adolescent Health Connect (AH Connect) program, adolescents with issues can express their problems with the help of trained counselors.
Jema Dignadice, in-charge of DOH-6’s AH Connect program, said they have so far received 285 calls and texts messages of which 16 were mental health issues.
In terms of the number of psychiatrists, Sta. Lucia said Western Visayas – with 50 – is No. 3 in the country. Of these 50 psychiatrists, around 30 are based in Iloilo.
Around “70 to 80 percent” of municipal health officers in the region also underwent training on the mental health global action program of World Health Organization (WHO) since 2014, said Sta. Lucia.
But only two government hospitals in the region offer psychiatric-related services – Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City and the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan town, said Sta. Lucia.
“Mental health problems could not only be solved by family members. These need professional help,” said Councilor Tupas.
She, 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, she added.
The City Social Welfare and Development Office has a Psychosocial Support Prevention Program 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./PN
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