A Department of Education-Davao Region (DepEd-Davao) official advises parents to check on the way they raise their children to prevent mental health problems.
“There is this problem in our society that if there’s a suicide, they immediately point to the schools. I think that’s not appropriate, that’s not proper,” DepEd-Davao spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said during the AFP-PNP press conference on June 14, 2023.
“We really have to open our minds, that matters like this are caused by so many factors. Number one diha (there) is family,” he added.
Atillo said that the way the student is raised affects the way the student interacts with others and handles situations around him or her.
“This is a call to parents, this does not only include the school, the church, and the society. You have to go back where it all started – family,” he said.
Atillo said it's about time for the parents to check how they raise their children.
“Why don’t we check the way we raise our kids? Are we being accommodating na spoiled na masyado mga bata (that our kids are too spoiled already)? So in the end, if there’s any problem, even a simple problem, then they will be thinking of something very negative already,” he said.
This concern has been raised when the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) mentioned that in 2011 at least 404 suicide cases in the country have been recorded and all were students.
Gabriel Sebastian Nograles Lizada, PMHA consultant, added that there are also 2,146 self-harm reported cases.
He added that 7.5 percent of Filipino youth ages 15 to 24 years old have considered ending their life.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth, between 15 to 29 years old globally not only in the Philippines,” he added.
Lizada said that mental health should be discussed in order to help those who need assistance.
He added that mental health issues are not only for students but as well as for adults. KSD
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please consider reaching out to the nearest suicide hotline for support. You may use the following hotlines, 09663514518/09178998727 for Globe or TM subscribers, and 09086392672 for Smart, Sun, or TNT subscribers.
You may also reach out to the New National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) crisis hotlines, 09178998727 (USAP) and 989-8727 (USAP) or the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF)/Hopeline Philippines at (02) 804-4673 (HOPE), 09175584673 (Globe), 09188734673 (Smart or 2919 (toll-free for Globe and TM subscribers).