Groups push for committee in schools to prevent suicides

CEBU, Philippines - In order to help lessen the number of suicide incidents involving students in Cebu, some organizations are proposing for academic institutions to have a committee that will focus on the mental health of the students.

The Natasha Goulbourn Foundation is proposing to have a committee on resilience in all schools in the hope that cases of suicidal incidents in Cebu will be reduced or eliminated.

The proposal was raised in line with yesterday’s celebration of Suicide Prevention Day.

Dr. Romeo Enriquez, chairman of the NGF, said the school and the teachers play a vital role in the lives of the students.

Enriquez said the proposed committee on resilience in every school should develop policies and procedures for the prevention of mental illness and maladaptive behavior.

“Kapag may magsasabi na student na gusto niya mag-suicide, don’t take it as a joke. Take it seriously,” said Enriquez.

This committee should also be the one to handle such incidents, in case they happen inside the school, said Enriquez.

Dr. Jackie Sy, former president of the Philippine Psychiatric Association, explained that there are a lot of factors why a person would commit suicide.

“It’s a multi-factor. It could be because of family problem, relationship problem, depression or someone who is under the influence of drugs. Basta, daghan gyud na siya,” said Sy.

Sy said they do not want to disclose the exact number of suicide incidents in Cebu but said they have heard a lot of cases.

She clarified though  that their group’s presence here does not mean that Cebu has the highest rate of suicide cases in the country.

The NGF is a foundation whose goal is to help raise awareness on depression and how one can prevent, recognize and treat mental illness.  (FREEMAN)