BY: FERLIZA CALIZAR-CONTRATISTA
CEBU CITY, April 4 (PIA)---There is a
need for media, information officers to report suicide news with utmost care.
Dr. Glenda Basubas, president of the
Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA-Cebu) said that sensitivity has to
be practiced for reporters and information officers to report cases of suicide.
PMHA-Cebu is one of the guests during
the monthly assembly of the Cebu Association of City and Municipal Public
Information Officers (CAOCAMPIO) hosted by the Municipality of Liloan recently.
“Media has so far causes more suicides
than preventing it in the manner of reporting,” Basubas said.
This is because in almost all forms,
whether in print or broadcast and even in internet news, stories of suicides
are mostly sensationalized.
This manner, Basubas said,
“glamourized” suicide and makes it as an option instead of coping a problem.
“In reporting suicide cases, there has
to be solid information to educate the listeners and readers the surrounding
issues, what prompted the victims,” Basubas said.
More importantly is to give the
audience needed information such as knowing its kinds, manifestations and tips
of determining people with suicidal tendencies and how to help them.
“Media is very powerful, we just hope
that there is care in reporting, do not provide very detailed information on
the suicide without filling the gap to educate,” Basubas said.
Dr. Cynthia Potencioso, a social worker
and vice chair of PMHA-Cebu told the information officers that although it is
true that there is lack of resources for mental health in the provinces, it
does not mean that there is no help.
“Mental wellness is very important and
there are organizations such as the PMHA that can help in providing mental
services,” Potencioso said.
There are also medicines that are
available and affordable, Potencioso said.
Alma Mondigo, representing the
information office of Santa Fe said it is good that they learned the types and
background of suicidal persons and sees the need for designated people in the
locality to deal with mental wellness.
Rydal Cisneros, reprsenting the
Municipality of Dalaguete said, he will immediately share the services offered
by PMHA to the barangays.
PMHA-Cebu had for several years, roamed
municipalities all over the Visayas heeding the requests of local government
units, schools and organizations.
They made immediate stress debriefing
in areas hit by disasters in Bohol, Leyte and Cebu.
For those who wished to avail of the
services such as free medical mission, they just have to write PMHA-Cebu for
the scheduling at Room 701 Perpetual Succour Hospital Neuroscience Center,
Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City with telephone numbers 4141611 and 4122078.
The inviting organization or LGU will
just have to shoulder the group’s meals and accommodation if needed.
PMHA-Cebu plans to partner with media
organizations for the advocacy in the prevention of suicide.
According to the Department of Health
there is a continuing and increasing suicide cases in the Philippines with at
least two suicides per day or over 700 cases in a year. (mbcn/FCC/PIA-Cebu)