In the Philippines, mental illness is the third most common disability. Around 6 million Filipinos are estimated to suffer from depression and/or anxiety, making the Philippines the Western Pacific region's third-highest rate of mental illness. Mental health programs are just as important as those aimed at combating the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to foster holistic wellbeing now more than ever, where we care for the body, mind, and even spirit.

As a student and a citizen of my country, I understand how difficult it has been for Filipinos to cope with the setbacks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantine imposed to avoid further COVID-19 transmission. Many people have been unable to work or have lost their jobs; some may have had trouble returning to their home provinces; others may have been affected by the death or separation of loved ones. This is also a particularly stressful time period. Someone in our neighborhood, workplace, family or circle of friends, or even you, may be feeling helpless, lonely, and unmotivated to live. 

We are not alone in this war. We must know the symptoms and educate ourselves about how to get help if we have compassion and empathy for others. We can all play a part in preventing suicide by socially communicating with those who are affected and connecting them to mental health or medical services. Remember that you don't have to have any of the answers or even understand fully why they feel the way they do. At the very best, listening to what they have to say will show them that you care.