The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City has partnered with Americares Philippines, a health-focused non-government organization, to boost its mental health programs and services. 

The VSMMC Center for Behavorial Science (CBS) is working closely with Americares on their mental health services through their Crisis Management Unit.

This was disclosed by VSMMC psychiatrist Dr. Christine Joyce Villero during the Kapihan sa PIA held Sept. 6, 2023. 

Americares is providing mental health and psychosocial support training to VSMMC and to its partner local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Health (DOH). 

It is also extending technical assistance through coaching and mentoring with consultant psychiatrists, establishment of full-equipped Wellness Centers in the Rural Health Units (RHUs), and augment supply of psychotropic medications. 

The NGO already expanded their partnership for mental health and psychological support program to the following LGUs, namely: Carmen, Catmon, Tudela, and Bogo. 

Due to its partnerships with LGUs, referral of cases to VSMMC-CBS have decreased with the availability of. Mental health services such as case finding, consultation, and treatment at the LGU level. 

Highest cases of suicide in Central Visayas

Latest data from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 7 showed that in 2020, among the four provinces in Central Visayas, Cebu province logged the highest cases of suicide in the region at 68.  

Cebu City recorded the highest incidence of completed suicide with 43 cases in the same year within the age group of 17-29.

Nationwide, results of the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study conducted by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) showed that an estimated 1.5 million Filipino youths have tried to end their life. 

The respondents were 10,949 randomly selected Filipino teens and young adults aged 15-24. 

Data from Philippine Statistics Authority also show that the suicide rate in 2020 went up by 57.3% from 2021 (4,892 individuals), with the highest numbers coming from the 15 to 29 age groups.

The study examined mental health indicators, depressive symptoms, and suicidal experiences.

The World Health Office Mental Health Report 2022 indicated that globally, one in every 100 deaths is by suicide, and it is the leading cause of death among adolescents.

Crisis Management Unit

“Individuals with suicidal tendencies often talk about suicide, shows aggression, irritability, tiredness, self isolates, shows behavioral change but could also joke about it. So, we should be aware of these signs, especially those who are close to us,” Villero said.

“If you are aware of the risk factors and the signs, you will know what to do and where to go,” she added.

The VSMCC psychologist said there are factors which could trigger suicidal thoughts.

 “Mental illness like depression, anxiety, trauma, bullying, stress, relationship problems, even chronic abuse, pain, or chronic diseases could cost someone their life,” Villero emphasized. 

Tawag Paglaum

Aside from the psychiatric consultation and outpatient services for mental health concerns, one of the crisis interventions by the DOH-7 is the Tawag Paglaum hotline.

It is a 24/7 depression and suicide crisis hotline manned by registered and licensed psychometricians who have been trained to provide counseling.

The hotline is open from Mondays to Sundays, including holidays.

VSMMC Psychometrician Christian Abarca explained that communication plays an important role in lessening the probability of suicide.

“By talking to them, you can stabilize their situation. You get to listen and ask and eventually they would become open to options or suggestions,” Abarca said.

Tawag Paglaum can be reached through the following numbers 0966-467-9626, 0939-936-5433, and 0939-937-5433.

Local government partnerships

Americares Psychosocial Support Program Project Coordinator Julie Ann Ewican-Samson shared that they have put up wellness centers, provided equipment to LGUs, and held symposia and trainings in the rural health units (RHUs). 

“We capacitate and train the RHUs so they could provide immediate assistance to crisis situations, and we provide symposiums also to high school students, especially that they belong to the suicidal age group,” Samson said.

Samson added that psychosocial activities were also given to the students as a diversion, especially for students who are in crisis situations.

Five steps to well-being 

Samson also shared the five steps to well-being to improve mental health:

1. Connect with other people. 
2. Be physically active. 
3. Keep learning. 
4. Give or share to others or sharing.
5. Mindfulness or being aware of the present.

“We may lose people to suicide but through the right information, we could save lives,” Villero added.

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on Sept. 10, with the goal of raising awareness to prevent suicide through various activities. 

The DOH, through the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), operates a national crisis hotline to help people with mental health concerns. The 1553 hotline is a Luzon-wide, toll-free landline number. Their Globe and TM numbers are 0917-899-8727, 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672 for Smart and Sun subscribers. (MYP/PIA7)