Suicide is preventable
A recent study showed that 16.2 percent of some 8,761 students from grades 7 to 10 have attempted suicide at least once in the past 12 months.
Daily TribuneA recent study showed that 16.2 percent of some 8,761 students from grades 7 to 10 have attempted suicide at least once in the past 12 months.
Reports that the suicide cases among Filipino youth are increasing are cause for serious concern.
No less than Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna expressed her alarm over the reported rise as she led activities at the City hall recently in line with National Children Welfare Month.
Suicide is a global phenomenon and the fourth leading cause of death among youth worldwide.
Although there is a lower incidence of suicide in the Philippines compared to other developed or developing countries, the trend has been increasing, so much so that since 2015, it has been the second most common reason for death among the youth aged 15 to 29.
A recent study showed that 16.2 percent of some 8,761 students from grades 7 to 10 have attempted suicide at least once in the past 12 months.
The factors that increased the risk of suicide attempts include female gender, being physically attacked, getting bullied, feeling lonely, poor sleep, having a few close friends, smoking, alcohol use, less physical activity, use of amphetamine/methamphetamine and less parental supervision.
The use of methamphetamine/amphetamine is the single best risk factor for suicide attempts among Filipino youth, the survey said.
Only last Sunday, a female student died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound that alarmed authorities. In a Senate hearing a couple of years ago, it was reported by the National Poison Management and Control Center that kids as young as 10 years old have committed suicide.
She said growing up problems, coupled with the difficulties brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic may have contributed to the failure of the youth to handle emotional rollercoaster rides.
Lacuna during Monday's flag-raising ceremony at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, said depression and too much exposure to social media may have also been among the contributing factors to the rising figures.
Indeed, mobility restrictions and the lack of communication among family members due to too much focus on technology and gadgets can also be blamed for the increased cases of depression.
"This is our chance to focus on the welfare and concerns of our children," Lacuna said.
She bared that the city has formed a council for the protection of children and young people. It is composed of representatives from the city welfare services, the Division of City Schools, the City Prosecutor's Office, and the Manila Police Women's and Children's Protection Desk.
It is said that there are likewise cases that are left unreported due to social stigma against people with suicidal tendencies.
Perhaps the council could collect data on the youth that will help it craft legislation and address their problems. Schools could also be mandated to have suicide hotlines and the appropriate system to support this.
Nationwide, there is probably a need to intensify public education and mandate the set up of support systems in schools and communities to help prevent suicide. We could probably expand the number of child psychiatrists or empower, train and increase municipal health officers who will focus on undiagnosed individuals.
Increasing investment in research on mental health and suicide prevention is also necessary through a bigger budgetary allocation for medical support and services.
Indeed, a holistic approach is necessary to lick the suicide problem. Lacuna, in her statement, said Executive Order 40 otherwise known as "Oplan Sagip" will effect the rescue of children subjected to abuse by their parents or relatives.
This is truly a step in the right direction, considering that suicide is preventable and a public health issue that can be addressed.
We're all in this together.