Caption: Sofia Michiko Yamamoto, Aliyah Lopez and Joebbie Krizel Gaugano

Layout: Peter Aslan Bien and Chloe Garcia

Suicide remains one of the most pressing public health concerns in the world, reaching an all-time high during the pandemic. While cases in some countries were noted to decline during the first year of the pandemic, suicide attempts among the youth in the Philippines increased to 7.5% in 2021 from 3% in 2013, representing an increase of 150%. Likewise, about 20% of young Filipinos considered suicide, representing about five million young individuals.

Thus, through the International Association for Suicide Prevention, together with the World Health Organization (WHO), World Suicide Prevention Day was established in 2003. Every year, on the 2nd week of September, the Suicide Prevention Awareness Week aims to emphasize the issue on suicide, erase the stigma of mental health, raise awareness amongst organizations, government, and the public, and conduct seminars and various activities.

In our world today, where everyone faces their inner and silent battles, the SSLG wants to remind you that you are not alone. While it may seem that way in the midst of the overwhelming chaos, please remember that there are people who will always be there to support you. Never be afraid to ask for help, because you matter. Your stories, your journey, your hope, your life, your pain, and your joy—all of it matters.

Let us not forget that mental health is just as important as our physical health. Let’s not turn a blind eye to those struggling with it. Let us build a community that’s able to help and support each other through the tough times. Together, let’s break the stigma around mental health and move forward. You are loved. You are valued. You are enough. You always will be.

Stay; Tomorrow needs you.

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/…/abs/pii/S187620182300093X

https://www.who.int/…/world-suicide-prevention-day/2023…(WSPD,World%20Health%20Organization%20(WHO).