MANILA, Philippines — More people died by suicide last year as the pandemic began and dragged on, with the Philippine Statistics Authority reporting a 57% increase in the country’s suicide rate in 2020 compared to the preceding year. The PSA said suicide is the 25th leading cause of death in 2020, up six notches from 31st place in 2019. In response to reports that suicide cases are increasing, the government’s pandemic task force sought help from religious leaders to address this. DOH: You are not aloneThe Department of Health has acknowledged that the pandemic can affect mental health and has emphasized that those who feel sad or worried during the coronavirus pandemic are not alone. May mga taong naandiyan para suportahan ka," it says on its FAQ on mental health.

Source: Philippine Star July 06, 2021 08:26 UTC