Suicide a complex phenomenon, say UP officials

UP officials pointed out that suicide was a “complex phenomenon.”

Libertine Labor, director of UP Manila’s Office of Student Affairs, said Kristel Tejada, who took her life on March 15, had consulted with a counselor once in January.

The girl also regularly talked with her mentor, professor Andrea Martinez, during which financial woes were raised.

Without divulging the specifics, Labor said the student had mentioned family problems and some matters related to social dealings or relationships.

UP president Alfredo Pascual said suicide was a complicated matter and that if one were to base the incident on the series of events, it would be easy to say that Tejada took her own life because of her tuition woes.—Reports from Erika Sauler and Julie M. Aurelio

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)

Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.