Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) – More people in the country died of suicide in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic than a year earlier, according to the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Around 4,420 people died due to intentional self-harm last year, compared to 2,810 such deaths in 2019, it added. Suicide is also the 25th leading cause of death in 2020, from being ranked 31st in 2019.
The National Center for Mental Health’s (NCMH) said its crisis hotline received 11,017 calls last year, of which 1,282 or 12% were suicide-related,
NCMH Assistant Program Director Dr. Sharlene Mae Palma-Ongoco said the top reasons for calls were anxiety/depressive symptoms, family problems, love/relationship problems, academics/school problems, and requests for referral to a psychologist/psychiatrist.
“Because of the pandemic, nakadagdag po ito sa (it contributed to the) difficult scenarios na may epekto sa ating (which has an effect on our) mental health,” Palma-Ongoco told CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon on Friday.
She pointed out the pandemic-related scenarios that affect one’s mental health include isolation after an exposure with a probable or suspect COVID-19 patient and discrimination after being diagnosed with COVID-19 or possible exposure with a patient.
Palma-Ongoco added that 17% of their callers are minors, mostly from the 15-17 years old age bracket.
“I think it’s a very difficult transition for them, from initially face-to-face then all of a sudden converting into virtual platforms. It’s a big adjustment for them, even for the parents and caregivers,” she said.
The NCMH official also noted the rise in suicide-related calls this year. She said out of 8,949 calls they received as of June 30 this year, about 28% or 2,743 related to suicide.
Psychologist Constancio Paubsanon Jr. said they are teaching proper self-care to those calling the hotline due to their mental health problems.
“Tinuturo namin ‘yung self-awareness, paano ba ‘yung gagawin upang mas madali mong ma-recognize kung ikaw ba ay dumadanas ng stress o may anxiety na o baka mas matinding problemang psychological in nature,” said Paubsanon.
[Translation: We are teaching self-awareness, especially on what to do to easily recognize if you are experiencing stress, anxiety, or more serious psychological problem in nature.]
Palma-Ongoco emphasized that household members should always check on the mental health of each other to know whether they need help.
“Kamusta ka? Usap tayo. Napakasimpleng na ‘yun pero napakahalaga niya (“How are you? Let’s talk.” It’s only a simple phrase but it is important) for somebody who’s going through something,” she added.
She also said it is okay to ask if a person has thoughts of taking his or her own life to prevent such act. This also gives them the feeling that someone can understand their mental health problems.
If you are in need of mental health support, please call the 24/7 National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at (0917) 899-8727, (0908) 639-2672, (0966) 351-4518, or (02) 7-989-8727 or 1553 (Landline-to-landline only).
