CDO young groups are doing more to raise awareness about mental health

MindanaoHerald | CDO young groups are doing more to raise awareness about mental health | CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As part of World Suicide Prevention knowledge Month, youth groups in this city have started campaigns and trainings to raise knowledge about mental health.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Oro Youth Development Office (OYDO), which is part of the local government, said that it helps spread information about mental health and plans events for youth groups to help break the stigma.

AJ Obenza, an OYDO development worker, said that the city’s government stepped up its efforts because of the worrying rise in mental health cases.

“The trainings on mental health that OYDO puts on will give organisations and young leaders the tools they need to become advocates in their communities and schools,” he said.

Obenza said that using digital technology is one of the risk factors. That’s why they worked with a telecoms company to improve its mental health programmes.

Judee Chaves, who is in charge of PLDT-Smart’s relationships with Mindanao, said that digital health is one of their main goals.

She said in a statement, “We’ve been working with similar groups to help build a culture of kindness and empathy, both online and off.”

On September 10, when World Suicide Prevention Awareness Month started, more than a thousand young people from different groups here started a “Walk for Hope” to raise awareness about mental health problems.

Shiela Lumbatan, who works in the City Mayor’s Office as the chief of staff, said that problems related to mental health show that people are working together to educate and stop suicide.

“Let’s keep talking about mental health and how to stop people from killing themselves at home and at work. She said in a statement, “Let the love and support we’ve shown each other reach out to those who may be struggling in silence and let them know they’re not alone.” (via PNA)