DAVAO CITY — The City Health Office (CHO) assured residents that medical personnel in barangay health centers are prepared to provide mental health and psychosocial support, as part of the city’s expanded efforts to address growing mental wellness concerns.
CHO Mental Wellness Medical Coordinator Dr. Luis Antonio T. Flores, speaking during the I-Speak Media Forum on Thursday, said doctors, nurses, and other health staff have undergone training from the World Health Organization (WHO) to help fill the shortage of psychiatrists in the country.
“Regarding mental wellness services, all health centers in the city are equipped. Our doctors, nurses, and staff have been trained by the World Health Organization to help address the shortage of psychiatrists in the country,” Flores said.
The training enables frontline health workers to assess and manage patients with mental health needs. Flores added that the CHO ensures the steady supply of medicines for mental health cases, sourced both from the city government and the Department of Health (DOH).
Beyond treatment, the CHO also conducts mental health awareness seminars in schools upon request. These information drives tackle issues such as suicide prevention, causes of suicidal behavior, and available medical interventions.
“Suicide is not a disease. It is the final outcome of many factors that patients can no longer cope with,” Flores explained, citing contributing factors such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse, poor family support, lack of awareness of services, and chronic pain.
Flores noted that suicide cases are more prevalent among teenagers and young adults, making schools the primary focus of their advocacy programs. He emphasized that individuals with suicidal thoughts should always be treated as emergency cases.
“Having suicidal ideations is not normal and needs medical attention,” he said, adding that patients identified with such thoughts are immediately referred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center – Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine (SPMC-IPBM), the city’s lone psychiatric hospital.
“A patient with suicidal ideation should be managed in a hospital setting for close monitoring and proper medication,” Flores added.
He also reminded families of the importance of open communication at home, saying that early detection of suicidal tendencies begins with conversations that can help link individuals to the necessary mental health services.