A PUBLIC school teacher in Leyte allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself at her home in Leyte on Friday, October 16, 2020.

The husband discovered her body inside their residence around 6 a.m. Friday.

According to the police, the victim had suffered from depression and sleeplessness for almost two days.

In a report, the husband said he got a chance to talk with the victim the night before the incident, adding that he was not expecting that she could do it to herself.

The victim was declared dead by the municipal health officer who personally conducted examination on the cadaver.

Police are investigating the incident.

Filipino Balik Scientist Dr. Christian Gloria, department chair of Public Health at Hawaii Pacific University, reminded the public of the importance of mental health in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Don't forget to talk to our family and friends. Check in on each other. Talk about our feelings, our experiences, our challenges,” Gloria said.

“If someone needs professional assistance (psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor), let's help them be connected to those resources," added the public health expert.

The Department of Health and the World Health Organization earlier joined efforts in raising awareness on the importance of mental health during this pandemic. (SunStar Philippines)

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Individuals suffering from depression and needing such assistance may call HopeLine Hotlines at (02) 804-HOPE (4673); 0917 558 HOPE (4673); and 2919 (toll-free number for all GLOBE and TM subscribers).