On World Suicide Prevention Day, CHR says there are people willing to listen

MANILA, Philippines – With the marking of World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has reminded people going through mental and emotional crises that they are not alone.

The CHR is also urging government and other public and private institutions to acknowledge the existence of mental health issues and the urgency of extending help.

“You are not alone,” the commission said in a tweet on Tuesday. “With the implementation of the Mental Health Law, it’s time for the government, health institutions, and all of us to take the right steps towards recognizing these struggles and helping those of us who suffer.”

“It is a complicated and difficult road, but together we can achieve it,” CHR added.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) recognize every September 10 as the World Suicide Prevention Day, aimed at raising awareness on suicide prevention.

According to a WHO 2014 study, around 800,000 individuals die from suicide each year, or about one in every 40 seconds.

Latest WHO figures released in 2016, said that there are 5.2 suicide deaths per 100,000 persons in the Philippines (ranked 157). This was relatively low compared to Russia which was ranked first with 26.5 deaths per 100,000.

However, even if it is low compared to incidents abroad, studies also showed that suicide rate in the Philippines has increased by more than 20 times from 1992 to 2002 — an alarming rate considering that some of suicide cases are not being documented properly yet.

READ: Seven Filipinos commit suicide every day

READ: Hontiveros raises need for ‘proper coordination’ in suicide prevention hotlines

In 2018, the Mental Health Law was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.  Under the law, the rights and welfare of persons with mental health needs would be secured and attended to by the state.

The law also mandates mental health services like psychiatric, psychological, and neurologic consultations down to the barangay level, aside from improving the country’s mental health facilities.

READ: Duterte signs PH Mental Health Law

The CHR also provided contact details for people in need of someone to talk to.

“If you or anyone you know needs help, let them know there are those willing to listen,” CHR said.  /muf

National Center for Mental Health (Concerns Hotline)

– 0917 899 8727 (USAP)

– 0917 989 8727 (USAP)

In Touch Community Services (Crisis Line)

– (02) 893-7603

– 0917-800-1123

– 0922-893-8944