ILOILO City – Due to the rising suicide cases in Western Visayas and an increasing number of callers to mental health crisis hotlines, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 is introducing a novel approach to enhance public awareness of mental health issues.
The department is focusing on strengthening its collaboration with partners, including government agencies, non-government organizations, and the community, for a more holistic approach to mental health, according to DOH-6 director Dr. Adriano Suba-an.
This initiative involves:
* equipping primary health workers with the skills needed for assessment
* providing psychosocial education
* primary management
* collaborating with partner agencies to assist callers
“Mental health conditions should never prevent someone from enjoying their human rights or participating in decision-making processes,” Dr. Suba-an stated in a video message during the 2nd Regional Public Health Convention.
This convention, aligned with the Mental Health Month celebration, was themed “Make Mental Health and Well-Being for All a Global Priority.” It took place on Tuesday morning, Oct. 10, at Punta Villa Resort in Arevalo district.
He emphasized, “Moving forward, we at the DOH will continue our collaboration with our partners to ensure that mental health is recognized, endorsed, and safeguarded. We aim for every individual to exercise their human rights and have access to quality mental health care.”
Such rights encompass access to quality care and the opportunity to reintegrate into the community.
Recent Data
Based on the department’s data in collaboration with the Police Regional Office 6, the 351 suicide cases recorded in the region in 2022 were as follows:
* Aklan – 33
* Antique – 42
* Capiz – 32
* Guimaras – 17
* Iloilo – 99
* Negros Occidental – 81
* Iloilo City – 21
* Bacolod City – 25
For the first half of this year, 199 cases of suicide were recorded:
* Aklan – 25
* Antique – 14
* Capiz – 21
* Guimaras – 12
* Iloilo – 52
* Negros Occidental – 53
* Bacolod city – nine
“We anticipated a decrease in numbers this year, but unfortunately, the trend is increasing. Most of our suicide cases involve young adults and adolescents, aged 16 to 31,” reported Dr. Aimee Marie Gayomali, MPA, Medical Officer III, Section Head of the Integrated Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Program of DOH-6, in her discussion with Panay News.
Family issues are often cited as a common trigger for suicidal tendencies among the youth, added Gayomali.
Moreover, the department has seen an uptick in the number of individuals reaching out to the Western Visayas Mental Health Crisis Hotlines. From its inception in 2022, where they catered to an average of 20 queries per month, the numbers have surged to between 200 and 250 monthly in 2023.
Actions Taken
To address these concerns, DOH-6 has chosen to collaborate with educational institutions. They are especially keen to involve medical professionals in secondary schools to identify warning signs among students.
“Considering most of our cases involve young adults, we’ve partnered with academic institutions to train our teachers about the warning signs exhibited by our youth,” explained Dr. Gayomali.
She pointed out that during the pandemic, many young adults were confined indoors, deprived of social interactions, which emphasized the need for coping mechanisms. Although parents are the primary caregivers, children spend a significant portion of their day at school.
Recognizing that many parents juggle work commitments, she noted, “Our kids remain in schools for most of the day, which is why we are focusing our efforts on teachers.”
Signs to Monitor
Changes in behavior, like an extroverted child becoming introverted (or vice-versa), are telltale signs educators and parents should be vigilant about. Academic performance often serves as another indicator.
“If you notice a shift in your child’s academic output or attitude, engage with them. Be a safe space, and inquire if they’re facing challenges,” Dr. Gayomali said.
She stressed that consulting professionals doesn’t label someone as having a mental disorder.
“Seeking advice from a psychologist or visiting the guidance office doesn’t equate to having a mental health condition. Sometimes, individuals just need a safe environment to express themselves,” she elaborated.
Dr. Gayomali urges educators and parents to validate children’s emotions and never dismiss them. Recognizing and applauding a child’s courage when they share their feelings is vital.
The ideal mental health approach, in her opinion, transcends rural health units and also integrates schools and community health workers.
“We can’t achieve our goals overnight. It’s a collective effort, and we need to empower the entire community,” she emphasized.
Activities and Initiatives
In line with the mental health campaign, DOH-6 has scheduled activities for Oct. 10 and 11. The first day focused on training members of the press and the Philippine National Police about the “Ethical and Responsible Reporting and Portrayal of Suicide in the Media, Audiovisual, and Films.” This session was led by Alma Estember, head of the Communications Management Unit of DOH-6.
The subsequent day will highlight the best community practices demonstrated by regional health officers.
“With the shift towards community-based mental health solutions, most of our participants hail from provincial and city health offices,” mentioned Dr. Gayomali.
Mental Health Crisis Hotlines
To address the growing mental health concerns, the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao district will now manage the Mental Health Crisis Hotlines. The hotline numbers, along with the services they provide, are as follows:
* for DOH-6 Mental Health Program – 0998-532-4047 and 0917-775-9256, WVMC hotline -0931-025-1276, or Facebook Page: MH Connect/Facebook (services offered: psychosocial support, physiological first aid, counseling, referrals, and health education)
* for Iloilo Provincial Health and Social Welfare and Development offices – 0998-539-6704, 0946-539-7929, 0915-542-6885, and 0977-122-0327 (services offered: psychosocial support, psychological first aid, and referrals)
* Aklan Provincial Health Office – 0970,599-9734 (services offered: psychosocial support, physiological first aid, and referrals)
* Antique Provincial Health Office – 0928-341-8475 (services offered: psychosocial support, physiological first aid, and referrals)
* Capiz Provincial Health Office – 0921-991-2064 and 0916-241-1596 (services offered: psychosocial support, physiological first aid, and referrals)
* Iloilo City Health Office (033) 315-3012 and Facebook Page; ILOILOMHPSS)
* Negros Occidental Health Office – 0965-982-1851 and 0961-572-9197 (services offered: psychosocial support, physiological first aid, and referrals)
Psychiatrists, psychologists, medical doctors, and trained medical health workers manage these hotlines. Once a call or message is received, it’s promptly referred to relevant localities or Local Government Units (LGUs). A medical officer then undertakes a field visit to the caller if deemed necessary.
However, Dr. Gayomali clarified that their response varies based on individual needs. Some might require immediate psychological assistance over the phone, while others might need specialized care.
“Even if you aren’t directly affected, you can still refer someone to our hotlines. If you’re grappling with issues, no matter how minor, and wish to confide without others knowing, our lines are always open,” she said./PN
