Men’s mental health is in focus as health officials urged to break the stigma in seeking help.
Ricky Ducas Jr., City Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Program Manager of the City Health Services Office (CHSO), is encouraging men to make mental health a priority.
“Why talk about men’s mental health? Because seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” Ducas said with data from the city health office highlighting health risks faced by men due to lifestyle habits and the burden of non-communicable diseases.
Despite growing public awareness of mental health the CHSO reports men still believe reaching out for support is a sign of weakness.
The CHSO in a June 24 forum “Men’s Health: You Matter,” aims to promote lifestyle choices and conversations on matters affecting men’s health and wellness and is part of the city’s efforts to raise health awareness and encourage community involvement.
“When people admit they are struggling, they are more likely to seek help,” Ducas said, urging the public to visit the CHSO’s mental health wellness unit.
The city’s mental health and substance use wellness program provides year-round psychosocial support services in Baguio City. Available through the CHSO and community health centers, the program covers health campaigns, counseling, therapy services, and free medication for qualified clients.
Ducas with Dr. Khecy Colas, the CHSO Non-Communicable Disease Program Manager, encouraged men to take care of their physical, emotional, and mental health, stating that it is time to dismantle the cultural stigma surrounding men’s health issues.
Colas emphasized that non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lung disease, and liver disease, remain the leading causes of illness and premature death among men.
She noted that globally, men die an average of seven years earlier than women. In the Philippines, the gap is nearly six years, with men having a life expectancy of around 66 years compared to 72 years for women.
Furthermore, data from 2023 revealed that suicide cases among males were four times higher than among females. The male suicide rate was estimated at 4.3 per 100,000 population, compared to 2.1 per 100,000 among females. Notably, nearly 30 percent of suicide deaths in the country occur among individuals aged 15 to 24, highlighting the vulnerability of young people to mental health challenges.
Colas added that ischemic heart disease, cancer, and stroke continue to be the top causes of death in the country. This underscores the need for men to become proactive about their health, especially given risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and diets that contribute to these outcomes. By Jerome Jacy Cruz, UC Intern
