How to identify suicidal tendencies in your loved ones

As countries all over the globe observe World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, psychiatrists stressed the need to dispel myths about suicide and to use media to help vulnerable individuals. Over 800,000 people die by suicide each year around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a landmark report capping a decade of research on suicide. The Philippines has a low incidence of suicide. Based on 2012 data, the national suicide rate for the Philippines is at 2.7 per 100,000. But most suicide deaths come from the 15-29 and 70+ years age groups, showing a worrying trend of more young Filipinos and the elderly taking their own lives. Psychiatrist Rhea Concepcion cautioned against simplifying the underlying causes of suicide and added there are many factors that lead to a decision to take one’s own life.

Learn more about suicide prevention on Rappler.