06/09/2025
Every emotion inside us—whether it’s joy, sadness, hope, or fear—tells a story and deserves to be acknowledged, not bottled. In the Philippines, where nearly 2,000 lives were lost to su***de in just six months over the past year, every conversation carries the vital power to rescue someone from darkness. Su***de touches communities deeply, often hidden behind silence, stigma, and unseen struggles.
This Su***de Prevention Month, let’s remind ourselves and our communities that no Filipino has to face their pain alone. Simply asking, “How are you really feeling?” with compassion and openness can break barriers and offer a lifeline. Our proud bayanihan spirit teaches us that reaching out and holding space for one another can transform even the heaviest feelings into strength and hope.
Young Filipinos, who make up a significant number of those affected, often turn to peers rather than adults for support—underscoring the urgent need for all of us to listen without judgment. True listening means holding space with empathy, not just hearing words but feeling the weight behind them. Healing is real. Hope is always within reach.
The path toward prevention is carved through kindness, understanding, and taking action. Let this month be a call to all Filipinos—to speak openly, to support one another, and to reach out without hesitation. United in compassion, we can rewrite narratives of despair into stories of resilience and light. Together, let’s be the lifeline our loved ones need. Reach out, connect, and be the difference.
***dePreventionMonthPH
