Real Talk

World Suicide Prevention Month: Why Families Must Take Action Now

by Alexa Villano
September 2, 2025

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among Filipino youth. This September, learn what parents, schools, and communities can do to help save lives

Trigger warning: This article discusses suicide

In the Philippines, suicide claims dozens of young lives every month — and many could have been saved with earlier intervention.

This September, the world observes World Suicide Prevention Month, with September 10 recognized globally as World Suicide Prevention Day. The awareness campaign is a joint effort between the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), calling for united action to combat suicide and protect mental health.

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among Filipino youth. This September, learn what parents, schools, and communities can do to help save lives

Bullying: A Main Concern for Families, Kids, and Communities

Before the start of classes, Education Secretary Sonny Angara met with stakeholders — including civic organizations, education experts, and community leaders — to address the rising issue of bullying in schools.

According to data from the Department of Education, there were 2,500 reported bullying cases in the National Capital Region alone during the 2024–2025 school year.

Persistent bullying — especially when left unaddressed — is a known risk factor that can contribute to depression, anxiety, and suicidality, particularly among youth.

In 2024, according to Mental Health PH, reports showed that an average of 40 suicide cases per month occurred in the Philippines, with many victims under the age of 30. The Department of Health corroborated these findings, stressing the urgent need for community-based mental health interventions.

Changing the Narrative

Continuing from 2024, this year’s global campaign once again centers on the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” According to the IASP, the campaign: “Aims to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue.”

“It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support,” the IASP added. “It means advocating for policies and legislation that prioritize mental health, increase access to care, and provide support for those in need. It means investing in research to better understand the complexities of suicide and develop evidence-based interventions.”

A National Tragedy

In July, the Philippine National Police (PNP) raised alarm over the surge in suicide cases across the country. Former PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III reported that from January to June 2025, nearly 2,000 Filipinos died by suicide.

Investigations revealed that several of these individuals had experienced both physical and online bullying, further emphasizing the link between abuse and mental health crises.

In August, Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos addressed the issue in a radio interview, calling the rise in suicide cases a “national tragedy.”

“Every suicide is a national tragedy that we must work together to prevent,” he said. “The suffering of the mind and spirit must be treated with as much compassion and urgency as the wounds of the body.”

The bishop also urged the government to approach mental health not only with policy but with empathy: “Let us respond not only with policies but with compassion… Mental wellness is not a privilege — it is a right.”

What Parents Can Do

As the country faces this growing mental health crisis, families must play an active role in prevention. Here’s how you can help:

Observe behavioral changes — Withdrawal, mood swings, or declining performance at school could be red flags.
Create a safe space — Make your home a judgment-free zone where emotions are heard, not dismissed.
Be present — You don’t always need the right words; just being there matters.
Encourage open communication — Let your child know it’s okay to talk about emotions, stress, and even dark thoughts.
Seek professional help early — Don’t wait for a crisis. Therapists, counselors, and mental health hotlines are here to support both children and parents.

Every Story Matters

Every life lost to suicide is one too many. And every story is worth hearing. Listen without judgment. Take your loved one’s mental struggles seriously — your empathy could save a life.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Here are some trusted mental health organizations and hotlines: