MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Department of Health Center for Health Development in Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) is conducting mental health awareness and orientation seminars for employees both in the public and private sectors to prevent suicide cases in the region.
Glen Ramos, Health Education Promotion Unit media relations officer, said the seminars are focused on identifying signs and symptoms of work-related stress, as well as stress management techniques to help avoid mental health problems.
“The regional office also provides psychological first-aid for individuals with mental health concerns through the “Tara, Usap Tayo” hotline via Smart (0961) 8151416 and Globe (0945) 4914447. The service is open from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” he said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Based on the report of the Health Emergency Alert Reporting System’s suicide statistics for 2021, there were a total of 103 recorded suicide cases, including two attempted cases, in the region.
Among the provinces with the highest incidence of suicide is Pangasinan with 37 percent, followed by Ilocos Sur with 35 percent, Ilocos Norte has 24 percent, and La Union with 5 percent.
Cases mostly comprised adults with ages ranging from 20 to 59 years old at 68.66 percent, followed by adolescents 10-18 years old at 19.18 percent, and elderly (60 years old and above) at 14.14 percent, while 2.2 percent of the cases are undisclosed.
Suicide among males still accounts for the most percentage of cases at 80.78 percent, while female cases at 21.20 percent.
Hanging is still the leading method of suicide at 80.77 percent, gunshot and chemical ingestion both at 4.4 percent, stab wound and laceration both at 2.2 percent, and drug overdose at 1.1 percent. Undetermined cases are at 10.10 percent.
“The mental illness or mental health problem is the main cause of suicide in the region with 33.32 percent. (Also) the strict protocols we need to follow, such as not being able to go out and community health protocols, that many could not endure staying at home for a very long time. This also included the loss of a job during the onset of the pandemic. These could all cause mental health problems,” said DOH-CHD-1 regional director Paula Paz Sydiongco said in a statement Wednesday.
Sydiongco said addressing mental health issues in the workplace is important to continuously nurture the well-being of employees.
“It is important for employers to determine who among the employees are at risk for mental health conditions so they could be taught stress management and their mental health could be taken care of,” she said.
She added financial and family problems are also the probable causes of suicide incidence, as well as on relationships and school problems. (PNA)
