ANTIQUE – The provincial government here, through the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), encourages Antiqueños to be more observant of family members, friends or people around them, especially of changes in their mood and behavior.
The IPHO logged 29 suicide cases from January to June this year.
Here is the breakdown of the cases per month: January (four), February (five), March (two), April (four), May (seven), and June (seven).
Below is the breakdown per age group:
* 17 years and below – four cases
* 18 to 59 years-old – 20 cases
* 60 years and above – five cases
IPHO data also showed that there are more males who committed suicide, with 24, while the female population recorded five.
Judelyn Gordon, registered nurse and coordinator for the mental health program of the IPHO, said there are signs to take note of to prevent suicide cases.
In behavior changes, take note of the following: increased drug/alcohol use, isolating from family/friends, changes in sleep pattern, saying goodbye, giving away prized possessions, and fear.
For mood changes, the following must be remembered: depression or anxiety, loss of interest, irritability, humiliation, shame, agitation, and anger.
“Obserbaran naton ang ila behavior. Pareho karan kon naga-inum, makita nga pirme lang naga-inum. Aga pa kag hapon ukon puede man nga naga-isolate sang ila kaugalingon sa ila pamilya,” said Gordon.
Once the aforementioned signs are observed, Gordon implored that they must not be ignored.
Instead, healthy communication is important, the mental health coordinator added.
People with suicidal thoughts may also seek help from the following IPHO hotline numbers: 09171007042, 09661665255 and 09283418475.
“Indi kita maghambal nga it’s okay not to be okay. Kon amo dya ang na-obserbaran naton sa aton nga mga miembro sang panimalay ukon mga friends, indi mag-hesitate nga magtawag sa aton health hotline sa province,” added Gordon.
Based on the National Center of Mental Health statistical report, most reasons for committing suicide are love/relationship problems, anxiety and depression, family problems, work-related problems, psychiatric symptoms, marital problems, and school problems, among others.
On Sept. 10, the World Health Organization celebrated World Suicide Prevention Day./PN
