By Pat Jared V. Pangantihon
Correspondent

WITH the recent suicide attempt of a Covid-19 patient at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center this month, a question has arisen on the state of mental health of the residents in Cagayan De Oro City.

From January to May 2021, there have been a total of 40 suicides reported to the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, although there has been no empirical data that specifically points to Covid-19 or Covid-related causes like loss of jobs or depression in what has been referred to as “Covid-19 stress.”

In May this year, City Mayor Oscar Moreno directed the Psychosocial Division of the City Social City Welfare and Development to step up the campaign by use of online platforms, as well as the city’s Mental Health Board in tackling the increasing cases of suicide in the city. From May to August there had been an additional 10 incidents.

In an interview with Jaymee Leonen, CSWD psychosocial division head, and resident psychologist, there has been progress in their programs.

“We are one of the few LGU’s with established mental health services. We have tried to reach more people through the barangays.”

Her office has established Barangay Mental Health Corners in May 2021 which offers mental health packages composed of posters, brochures, referrals, basic first aid, and a month-long training, and information on “what to do, where to go.”

They have also incentivized the program by handing out awards for “Best Mental Health Program” and “Most Active Mental Health Program.” The program overall aims for the barangays to co-own the issue of dealing with the mental health of its residents.

There are also specific programs for front-line nurses, CDRRMO staff, and CIU PTMS staff who undergo monthly first aid stress debriefing; as well as with Covid-19 patients in isolation facilities and CIU PTMS.

Pamphlets and brochures are also available on their website for the public to view and download at http://cdomentalhelpline.cagayandeoro.gov.ph:8080/.

Do you need to talk to someone?

The Cagayan De Oro City Mental Hotline: TM/Globe: 0975-840-3585; Smart/TnT/Sun: 0947-643-8507.

These numbers are available Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

You can also reach out via the following website: http://cdomentalhelpline.cagayandeoro.gov.ph:8080/contact-us.