Baguio City youth suicide cases rise to 35 this year

Baguio City recorded 35 youth suicides from January to September this year, an increase from 29 cases in the same period last year.

Of the 35 suicides, 16 involved individuals aged 16 to 30, indicating a significant struggle with mental health among young adults.

The 30-to-40 age group also registered a notable number of suicide deaths during the same nine-month period.

Mental health coordinator Ricky Ducas linked the escalating mental health issues, and subsequent rise in suicides, partly to the rapid advancement of information and communication technology (ICT).

Ducas stressed that mental health issues are treatable and suicide is preventable, encouraging those in distress to seek help from the CHSO's mental health unit.

The CHSO's mental health unit offers free counseling and prescribed medication.

While public awareness and utilization of CHSO services have improved, many individuals still hesitate to seek professional medical attention for their mental health concerns.