EDITORIAL - ‘No shame in getting help’

Not too long ago, mental health issues were the subjects of mean jokes. No one can tell how many of those suffering from such problems were driven to take their own lives because of that attitude.

Today, the suicides of several prominent personalities and of college and even high school students have been alarming enough for Congress to pass a law, Republic Act 11036 or the National Mental Health Act of 2017. 

Last week the National Center for Mental Health under the Department of Health launched a phone-based nationwide counseling service and crisis hotline to assist those suffering from such problems and prevent suicide. The DOH and NHMC estimate that up to 3.5 million Filipinos, or nearly four percent of the population, suffer from mental health conditions, with the suicide rate at 3.2 for every 100,000 people. A recent study also showed that Filipinos are among the most stressed people in the world.

The problem is a global concern. Every year, an average of 800,000 people die due to suicide, making it the leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29. A foundation involved in suicide prevention says the youngest suicide it has recorded involved a seven-year-old child. 

Apart from those suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, the hotline is also open to those hooked on illegal drugs and victims of domestic violence. If you are suffering or someone you know is exhibiting suicidal tendencies, you can dial 0917-899-8727 or 989-87-27 for help.

The NHMC has reassured the public that unlike the previous “Hopeline,” the new hotlines will be available around the clock and will have more personnel to man the phones.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III described well the objective of the hotline: to send a message to those with mental health problems that they are not alone. 

“It’s OK to not be OK,” Duque said. “There is hope. Recovery is possible and there should be no shame in getting help.”