CHD told to address mental health needs among city residents

CEBU, Philippines —  More than 700 thousand people around the world die due to suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

This prompted Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon to push for a resolution calling the City Health Department to visit the different barangays to assess and address the mental health needs of the city residents.

 “The City of Cebu is saddened and alarmed by the recent prevalence of suicide cases in the city,” said Gealon.

Although he failed to provide data on the number of suicide cases in the city, but Gealon noted that there have been several reported attempts and suicide-related incidents in the city over the years.

In 2019, the latest data from WHO shows that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among the youths (ages 15-29) which Gealon also wants to give more attention.

Gealon felt that there is a need for the City Health Department to conduct rounds in the barangays to conduct assessment on the mental health needs of the Cebuanos.

Gealon cited Republic Act no.11036 also known as the Mental Health Act which the city government is committed to promote the well-being of its people including its mental health.

Mental health problems, according to Gealon, can be treated and prevented through timely accessible and high quality mental health care.

“The mental well-being of its constituents should also be a top priority of the City government in keeping with its mandate to promote healthy citizenry,” Gealon said.

Gealon expects the CHD to submit to the City Council its recommendations in order to address the suicide –related incidents in the city.

A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population, according to WHO.

“Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind,” WHO said in a statement.

Many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness while others are due to conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behavior as well as those who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners.

Suicides are preventable and should go with situation analysis, multisectoral collaboration, awareness raising, capacity building, financing, surveillance and monitoring and evaluation according to W.H.O. —  (FREEMAN)