A MALE coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patient fell to his death from the fifth floor of the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City Monday, January 24, 2022.
Captain Paul Vincent Pendon, chief of Police Station 2, said the victim, who was in his early 60s, said although it apparently appears as a suicide incident, they will still investigate to ascertain that there was no foul play.
Pendon said they were not allowed to get inside the premises of the hospital because the man is coronavirus-positive.
He said it was the hospital’s medical team that facilitated the body of the victim.
Pendon added that they are still coordinating with the management of the hospital to check the background of the victim.
According to psychologists, suicide is not specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders, but it could fall under other non-specified disorders.
Website healthline.com said to avoid suicidal tendencies, one should reach out to their loved ones or trusted friends, go somewhere safe and get rid of weapons, avoid alcohols and do something relaxing.
There has been a stern warning from authorities that depression, if not properly managed, may lead to suicide.
The Department of Health, for its part, has recognized the real threats brought by the pandemic to the mental health of the Filipinos.
It has since issued some tips in order to maintain good mental health amid this global crisis.
These include staying positive and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
People are also advised to give time for themselves to reflect, meditate and go back to the skills and resources which had previously helped them lessen their stress.
The health agency said if there is a need to talk to mental health professionals, the National Center for Mental Health and Mind Matters Hotlines can be reached through their hotlines 09178998727 and 09189424864, respectively.
For Negrense Psychologist Mark Ortibano, seeking help from a mental health professional should not be ashamed of.
Aside from the medicines and psychotherapy provided by psychiatrists and psychologists, the emotional and social support from the family are essential to help people suffering from depression.
"Connect. Those people you haven't checked for a while, check them. Talk to your trusted friends. Your family, your mother. If they are not around, those that you can trust," the psychologist said.