MANILA – Depression is a “serious health condition” that affects millions of Filipinos, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Thursday.
“In the Philippines, 3.3 million Filipinos suffer from depressive disorders with suicide rates in 2.5 males and 1.7 females per 100,000,” the DOH said in a statement in the wake of Brian Velasco’s death on Wednesday.
According to a police report, Velasco’s brother disclosed that the Razorback drummer had been suffering from depression.
The DOH also asked netizens not to share a video circulating on social media showing Velasco’s death.
The agency said depression has to be discussed as one step forward towards ending the stigma surrounding mental health, and extended its condolences to the family of the musician.
Around 800,000 people die across the globe every year due to suicide, which is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds, according to the World Health Organization.
People in need of help may reach the DOH’s 24-hour toll-free suicide prevention hotlines at (02) 804-4673 or 0917-558-4673.
Text messages may also be sent to 2919 for Globe and TM subscribers. (With GMA News/PN)
