Youth groups in this city have stepped up in fostering mental health awareness through advocacies and trainings in line with World Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

In a statement on Tuesday, the local government, through the Oro Youth Development Office (OYDO), said it provides platforms to increase awareness about mental health and organized activities for youth groups to help break the stigma.

OYDO development officer AJ Obenza said the troubling increase in mental health cases in the city prompted the local government to actively enhance its initiatives.

“The mental health trainings organized by OYDO will empower organizations and youth leaders to become advocates in their communities and schools,” he said.

One of the risk factors is the use of digital technology, Obenza noted, which is why they partnered with a telecommunications firm to enhance its mental health programs.

Judee Chaves, Mindanao relations head of PLDT-Smart, said digital wellness is one of their key advocacies.

“We have been working with like-minded organizations to help foster a culture of kindness and empathy, both online and offline,” she said in a statement.

During the Sept. 10 launch of World Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, over a thousand young people belonging to various organizations here initiated a “Walk for Hope” to call attention to mental health issues.

The City Mayor’s Office chief of staff, Shiela Lumbatan, said mental health issues are tangible symbols of combined commitment to educate and address suicide.

“Let’s ensure that conversations about mental health and suicide prevention continue in our homes and our workplace. Let the love and solidarity that we have shared reach out to those who may be silently struggling, ensuring them that they are not alone,” she said in a statement. (PNA)