Uncovering the deserted realities about suicide in the LGBTQIA+ community

written by Bet Domingo

Trigger warning – a statement that "Fact U," an online live talkshow of Spaces.MNL about socio-political topics concerning the LGBTQIA+ community, constantly reminded its viewers on October 5 during its emotive episode while bravely uncovering the deserted realities about suicide. The show's episode was also in solidarity with the country's observance of the National Mental Health Awareness Month this October and the National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month last September.

Hosted by Miss Trans Global Mela Habijan, and LoveYourself volunteers Janlee Dungca and Peachy Roberts, the episode emphasized the importance of building awareness on mental wellness and its related topics to address the growing concern of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses experienced by the community members.

Habijan stressed that fear is the biggest challenge for the LGBTQIA+ members' mental health, following the persisting social discrimination. "We all know that it's fear because we went through the process of overcoming with our fear from our true selves, fear of acceptance from our family, and fear of what lies ahead," Habijan said. She added that it's like vines branching out from other forms of anxieties, and as fears pile up over time, it'll be more difficult for someone experiencing it to ask for professional help and continue living.

Aside from fear, Dungca also raised concerns about the Philippines' lack of mental health facilities and support programs. As a taboo in traditional Filipino culture, Dungca underscored the need to have a stronger voice to fight off stigma towards the LGBTQIA+ members and the issue surrounding mental health. Emphasizing the intersectionality of these topics, "I hope we can have stronger support from the community," she said.

Meanwhile, Roberts shared that giving family and friends time could mean a lot, especially if they experience heavy emotional burdens. "A simple message of 'How are you' can provide them with a sense of hope to continue," Roberts said. She added that being aware of our problems enables us to know how to address them.

In their recent study, the World Health Organization documented that 10-20 percent of children and adolescents in the world are affected by mental health problems. Most of these instances occur before they even turn 14 years old. An aggravating fact that even if Filipinos were hailed as one of the happiest and optimistic people globally, the National Center for Mental Health noticed an increase in calls about depression and anxiety.

UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE

To help digest the meaty subject, guests of Fact U were Riyan Portuguez and Bro. Noel Segismundo Cabigting. Portuguez is a registered psychologist and the content creator for "Your Millenial Psychologist" Facebook page. Cabigting, on the other hand, is a spiritual director and a psychotherapist. He is also the co-founder of Flourish Circle, a mental wellness initiative of LoveYourself, Inc. Cagbigting emphasized that suicide is complicated, and that there is no absolute template as to why a person commit suicide. "By looking however into the stigma revolving around it, this makes us better understand the phenomenon," he said. He added that stigma is fed by fear, and the fear of the unknown can be terrifying for some. Culturally, he also mentioned Filipinos' idea of a "happy person" as counter-intuitive for mental health care and more commonly associated with "toxic positivity."

Portuguez supported Cabigting, emphasizing that there's a need for a careful understanding of the person and the complex situation he/she's in. "This is a serious public health, following various studies that suicide is the second leading cause of death between ages 15-19 annually, and 800 people are killed due to suicide," Portuguez affirmed.

The guests also mentioned the risk factors and a mnemonic that might help us understand a person's mental health. According to Cabigting, the risk factors that may affect one's ideation and commission of suicide may include the following: 1) Knowing someone who committed it; 2) Had attempted it previously; 3) Comorbidity of experiencing personal crises (e.g., loss of loved one, employment, etc.) while having mental health issues; and 4) Socio-cultural oppression. He prudently reasoned out that it's truly a personal matter, where some people may manifest the risk factors, and some may never display but still lost their lives from it.

Citing a Suicidology concept, Portuguez introduced the ISPATHWARM mnemonic, which literally means ideation, substance abuse, purposelessness, anger, trapped in a vulnerable situation, hopelessness, withdrawing oneself, anxiety, recklessness, and mood changes. She stressed that it's just a guide to check on one's love ones and does not include all factors that may cause someone to die by suicide.

HELP, FACT, OR FAKE

Towards the end, Fact U's hosts and guests threshed out how significant sectors of the society can act responsibly and contribute to the overall wellness of the community. The show also presented where to get professional help and support, such as Flourish Circle, MentalHealthPH, Psychological Association of the Philippines, National Center for Mental Health, Philippine Red Cross, and many more.

One of the show's main highlights was the "FACT or FAKE" segment, wherein the hosts asked the guests to debunk myths and misconceptions about the topic at hand. Cabigting clarified that it's "Fake" to believe that through prayers, depression will be treated, that seeking professional help makes you crazy, and that a person diagnosed with mental illness will automatically be detained in a hospital for mental health care. However, he always takes a serious stance when people are voicing their mental health issues on social media, and that understanding and empathy should be given. But he also advised us to reach out to friends on social media to act responsibly about their contents.

In the synthesis, Dungca gave importance of establishing healthy relationships with oneself in order to build healthy relationships with others. "Let's remind ourselves that we are worthy, that we love ourselves, and to be kind to ourselves," Dungca emphasized.

Springing from Dungca's statements, Habijan elaborated on the impact of exclusion on one's mental health. "The moment that we exclude others, we are the cause of their pains; we are the cause of their sorrows; we are the cause of their insecurities; that's why, there are people who die from suicide," Habijan said. She concluded by advising people to include others to feel they're not alone, and they can strive for the best that they can.

Roberts simply gave a piece of practical advice by approaching your loved ones and listening to them. "That's what they needed – being with them, listening to them, and assuring that they have a company in you," she ended.

Fact U is a bi-monthly show that's streaming live at @Spaces_MNL every Monday at 8:00 PM. Visit and follow their Facebook page to watch this episode and other episodes of the show.