A silent grief with no symptoms, a sudden goodbye with no warning; these are the exact scars left by the suicidal mentality. 

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Suicide is characterized as the intentional killing of oneself. It is sometimes a means for people to escape the pain or suffering that they are facing. Most of the time, suicide results from the inability to deal with mental health concerns, family issues, and abuse. It is also common among vulnerable populations who face discrimination. As the suicide rate continues to rise, this act has become a severe public health issue across the continents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 800,000 people worldwide commit suicide each year, making it the fourth largest cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds in recent years. Moreover, suicide also occurs not just in high-income nations but also in low- and middle-income countries such as the Philippines.

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In the country, the suicide mortality rate was estimated to be 2.2% per 100,000 population, which is one of the lowest in Southeast Asia and even worldwide. However, even though it is low in comparison to other countries, it is still crucial to treat this issue seriously as it puts a minority of Filipinos in danger of self-harm. In fact, a Young Adult Fertility Survey found that 17% of Filipino youth aged 15–24 experienced and had suicidal thoughts. Of these individuals, 44%, or almost half, attempted to end their lives for different personal reasons; some even tried to do it multiple times. Additionally, half of the participants claimed that they did not reach out to anyone because they were worried and afraid of being maliciously judged. This further demonstrates how the stigma associated with mental disorders and suicide causes people to hide their sufferings, preventing them from getting the help that they need. Based on the study, family problems are the leading reason for a suicide attempt. Other common reasons include quarrels with spouses, depression, and anxiety, bullying, and physical and sexual abuse.

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Furthermore, in recent years, student suicide cases in the country have also soared by about 57% during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Department of Education (DepEd), at the height of the pandemic in 2021, 404 pupils from public schools committed suicide due to mental health issues. In addition to these, 2,147 attempted suicide was recorded and 775,962 sought guidance counseling in the same year. This scenario clearly highlights why mental health must be addressed critically as it can impact the whole well-being of an individual, prompting them to commit suicide.

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Today, the Philippine government has adopted several initiatives and projects in an effort to reduce the number of suicide cases in the country. A notable example is the crisis hotline "Kamusta Ka? Tara Usap Tayo," which was launched by the National Center for Mental Health on May 2, 2019. This initiative is a depression awareness and suicide prevention campaign that tries to connect and advise those who are suffering from mental illnesses. It is a 24-hour crisis support hotline that provides over-the-phone counseling for depression and suicide prevention purposes. Other government programs include the Department of Health's HOPELINE Project and the RA 11036, also referred to as the "Mental Health Act," which requires the provision of comprehensive suicide prevention services, including crisis intervention and a national-level response strategy.

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To conclude, suicide remains one of the major problems plaguing the Philippines today. As September is “Suicide Awareness Month”, let us raise awareness about the various causes and preventions of suicide, and may we all give enormous compassion, understanding, and comfort to all individuals suffering from depression and other mental illnesses. Keep in mind that suicide is an extremely serious topic that must be handled with utmost respect and sensitivity. With this, let us work together and lend our hand in preventing suicidal minds in the country.

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If you are in a difficult situation or you know someone who is, here is the NCMH’s crisis hotline that you can dial anytime:

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• 0917 899 8727

• 1553