#OneCallAway
Iris Palma in Health
Nov 25, 2019 • 2 min Read
I recently attended a seminar where one speaker did not show up. The moderator apologized for the speaker’s absence and the reason drew gasps from the audience. The speaker’s helper ended her life that morning.
Then I remember the daughter of a prominent theater couple who took her own life a few years back, as well as the recent case of a Christian singer and the head of a health services unit in a well-known university in America. Nakakalungkot.
Suicide is a serious matter. It is on the rise in the Philippines (from 2.5 in 2000 to 3.2 in 2016 per 100,000 although it was 3.2 per 100,000 population in 2010) according to the World Health Organization. There are more male victims than women, and there really is no stereotype. Anyone can fall victim—celebrities and common people alike.
We can help in our little ways, but first it is important that we are aware of the warning signs in people dear to us who may succumb to suicidal thoughts. APA.org lists the signs below:
- They talk about committing suicide.
- They have trouble eating or sleeping.
- They exhibit drastic changes in behavior.
- They withdraw from friends.
- They lose interest in school or work.
- They write their wills and make final arrangements.
- They give away prized possessions.
- They have previously attempted suicide.
- They take unnecessary risks.
- They have recently experienced the loss of a close friend or relative.
- They seem preoccupied with death and dying.
- They lose interest in personal appearance.
- They drink more than usual.
If you think you know someone who exhibits any of these signs, what should you do?
Stay with them even for just a while. Your presence is enough to get them through the difficult minutes or hours. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and to seek treatment and professional help.
Tell your friend or relative that you are #OneCallAway should their depression or sadness set in, and that you are ready to listen to them. Be a friend. Let’s offer a listening ear. Let us be #OneCallAway. It may mean the world to our friend or relative.
For professional assistance in the Philippines, call Natasha Goulbourn Foundation’s HOPELINE at 8044673 or 09175584673. The nonprofit foundation advocates mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The Department of Health also has its own crisis hotline numbers, 09178998727 or 9898727. Counseling sessions are offered by the Center for Family Ministries (CEFAM) in Katipunan Avenue. Set an appointment by calling 84264289 up to 92. In the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 18002738255.
