Ubial: take suicide comments seriously

Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial on Sunday called on the public not to easily disregard comments on suicides from family members, relatives and friends as this could be a key factor in saving their lives.

In Sunday’s observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, Ubial said people should always take seriously comments on suicide even if they sounded like jokes.

“Know the warning signs of suicidal behaviors such as withdrawing from friends, expressing hopelessness, unexpected joke about suicide and engaging in self harm,” she said.

“The public is advised to be attentive to each other’s needs at all times,” she added. —Jerome Aning