Suicide is no joke. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that every year, close to 800,000 people commit suicide. That’s practically one in every 40 seconds. It has become the second leading cause of death for people from 15-29 years old around the world in 2016, and knows no economic boundaries.
Over the past few months since the pandemic began, a WHO study said mental health authorities in the Philippines received an average of 30-35 calls daily from March to May due to depression, compared with 13-15 daily calls, or about 400 calls per month on the average from May 2019 to February 2020.
As part of the observance of World Suicide Prevention Day or #WSPD2020 in the Philippines last September 11, Twitter gathered several advocacy groups and organizations in an exclusive virtual 280-character panel discussion. The panelists discussed the issue on suicide-prevention, mental health, and shared their professional insights on Twitter.
Mental health advocate and #HealthXPh co-founder Gia Sison (@giasison) moderated the discussion, which featured panelists from MentalHealth PH (@mentalhealthph), Silakbo PH (@SilakboPH), NCMH Crisis Hotline (@ncmhhotline), and the World Health Organization Philippines (@WHOPhilippines).
The panelists used Twitter’s new conversation settings and exchanged insights where they replied to each other’s Tweets. Filipinos also had the opportunity to ask questions by tweeting along with the hashtag #MayKaramayKa, which were answered during the 280-character panel discussion on Twitter. A special emoji also appeared along the hashtags #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, #SuicidePrevention, #WSPD2020, #WSPD, and #MayKaramayKa.
Twitter believes that people should have access and receive support when they need it most. It was last year that they launched the #ThereIsHelp notification service that provides valuable mental health resources to vulnerable people and encourages them to seek professional help.
If you or someone you know is struggling or is facing difficult times, please know that there is help. Reach out to #MentalHealthPH + hotline numbers 0917 899 USAP (8727) or Crisis Line by In-touch: (02) 8893 7603.