WATCH: Preventing suicide
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The World Health Organization said suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds in 2012, but experts reminded that these deaths are preventable with the proper care and support.
Psychologist Dr. Camille Garcia said those who are depressed and diagnosed with mental illnesses are prone to suicidal thoughts.
Garcia said the first step to prevent a person from attempting suicide is to listen to him/her without judgment and avoid arguing and contradicting that person’s thoughts.
“Mali ang pagcritize sa nagveverbalize kasi hindi na siya magsasabi ng susunod niyang plano,” she said.
[Translation: It is wrong to criticize those who are talking about their suicide plans because the next time, they will not tell you about his/her plans.]
Garcia said it is crucial to watch out for changes in a person’s behavior. These include radical mood swings and sudden changes in eating and sleeping habits.
They may also put their affairs in order, and may already have thought out a plan to kill themselves.
She said it doesn’t follow that if a person says “Gusto ko nang mamatay [I want to die]” or “Gusto ko nang matapos ito [I want this to end],” it means that they will commit suicide.
“It is more of the fact that they are saying this for reasons they want to stop the hurting, that they want to put a stop and they say that suicide is the best solution,” she said.
Garcia said that once a person talks about being suicidal, he/she should be watched for 24 hours to ensure that no suicidal attempts will be completed.
World Suicide Prevention Day will be observed on September 10 (Thursday).
