Mental Health experts alarmed in Baguio suicide spike
By: Nonnette C. Bennett
BAGUIO CITY – Mental health workers expressed alarm with the spike in the reported suicides in the city from January to September this year.
The mental health authorities said the increasing number of suicide cases among non-residents and residents warrant the active cooperation of the people around the individuals. They can assist those who exhibit signs of depression.
Ricky Ducas, mental health coordinator of the City Health Services Office (CHSO), said that there were some 35 deaths by suicide from January to September this year compared to the 29 deaths in the same period last year.
Among the 35, 25 deaths are males who are Baguio residents compared to the non-residents who committed suicide last year.
Ducas disclosed that among the reasons of the death by suicide were online gambling, financial problems, and personal crisis that include family problems.
Ducas said the occurrence of suicide incidents can be averted with necessary interventions and attention to help them deal with their problems in life. There are hotlines where they can seek help.
He said the suicide incidents are preventable provided that early symptoms of depression and anxiety are given the necessary interventions by the mental health experts to avoid the unnecessary loss of lives and to allow them to enjoy their life with the members of their families and friends.
Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) hotline is 956 911 6841 for those who need help.
