DOH says psychologists needed in Cebu schools

DOH nurse Erika King Datan, shown here answering questions during a December 2016 press conference, says they are pushing their campaign to raise awareness on mental health issues like depression.
CDN File Photo

Schools in Cebu should hire psychologists or psychiatrists as guidance counselors to help students facing depression and other psychological issues due to bullying or family problems.

“It is highly encouraged that guidance counselors are licensed psychologist, because they are the only one allowed to give advice, or psychiatrist,” said nurse Erika King Datan of the regional Department of Health (DOH-7).

Datan said psychiatrists and psychologists are trained on assessing their patients upon counseling and handling any interventions or treatments that may be needed for them.

Last week, a 17-year-old grade 12 student committed suicide by jumping off a school building in Barangay Kalubihan, Cebu City.

The student reportedly suffered physical and verbal abuse from her parents at home.

Datan said the DOH is strengthening its advocacy campaign on mental health as part of Mental Health Awareness Month this October.

“DOH is conducting advocacy campaigns in collaboration with every agencies and private institutions to have mental health awareness. The department is pushing for awareness to educate the public about depression and suicide, and how or where to seek help,” she said.

Datan said symptoms of depression include change of behavior; societal withdrawal; difficulties in sleep; and poor appetite.

“Even in schools, if teachers have observed that their students don’t want to talk or participate anymore in class. They always get late or absent, that’s a sign that there’s something wrong with the student,” she said.

If nothing is done to address the person’s depression, Datan warned that it may lead to suicide.

“If someone has previous history or has informed that he/she will commit suicide, never take it as a joke. That person needs help,” she said.

In the DOH’s Tawag Paglaom program, Datan said relationship problems are the most common cause followed by bullying.

Tawag Paglaom can be reached through its hotlines 09399375433 or 09399365433 for Sun and Smart subscribers and 09276541629 for Globe subscribers.

The DOH will also sponsor a twin bill play in partnership with Cebu Theatre and the Department of Education (DepEd-7).

The play entitled “Abnoy and Bidli” will tackle depression and bullying at school and will be held at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) next Sunday, Oct. 8.

“Based on recent reports, at this stage there are lots of high school students who were involved in depression and suicide. That is why we choose them as our audience of this activity,” Datan said.