THE dancer and musician called for more awareness, compassion, and empathy.
To observe World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10, Gab Valenciano opened up through an Instagram post on Thursday about his own suicide attempts and called for more awareness, empathy, and compassion. Gab wrote: “World Suicide Prevention Day isn’t just a day where we celebrate victories of those who have survived; instead, it is an awareness day where we magnify the importance and significance of how to deal with this growing epidemic. As of today, one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide. That is not a good statistic at all.”
“I would have been part of that statistic, twice, if not for the grace of God and love for my family and friends. Hanging from the 22nd floor of a condominium, deliberately hurting myself, and substance abuse could have been the end of my story, but I believe that my failed attempts had a greater calling, and that calling is to reach out and help as many people as I can who are struggling with mental health issues, through empathy and compassion.”
The dancer and musician urged those who are suffering, “Please, everyone, there are people willing to listen and help. It doesn’t need to end this way. The only way to battle this is to fight together, so fight with us. Surround yourself with the right people and feed your soul with the right content. You can do this. Stay alive, my dear friends. You are enough and you are worth it. The Philippine Suicide Hotline is 896-9191 or 0917-854- 9191.”
Gab’s dad, Gary Valenciano, shared his IG post. “Faith, courage, compassion, strength…You’ve come a long way son. I know this message will help many—in fact, countless are they that are in need and struggle the way you do. I love you so much, Gab. For as long as I can, Dad will always be around for you.” (Cosmo.ph)
