According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), suicide rates increased by 25.7% in 2020, making it the 27th leading cause of death in the Philippines. Between the years 2015 and 2020, the number of reported suicides in the Philippines was 2,630.
Given these harrowing statistics, #MentalHealthPH provided a lifeline and an antidote to those in despair – hope. Celebrating its eighth anniversary last April 27, #MentalHealthPH launched an immersive event called “Hi, Hope! Nice to Feel You Again.”
#MentalHealthPH is a non-profit social media advocacy group that aims to promote and protect mental health in the Philippines.
The goal of the event was to reignite feelings of hope by letting people experience it with all their five senses:
- Sight: Attendees explored a “Gallery of Hope” featuring visual symbols of hope from survivors of suicide. QR codes allowed visitors to communicate with them directly.
- Hearing: “Stories of Hope” showcased spoken word artistry of survivors, audibly communicating slivers of hope. This also became a venue for some of the survivors of suicide to open up about their story for the first time!
- Touch: A Free Hug Station (with consent!) offered comfort through embraces.
- Taste: Words of hope baked into every bite with Affirmation Cookies. Similar to fortune cookies, these offered words of encouragement from survivors of suicide and hopeful quotes. Each message was unique.
- Smell: An Aromatherapy Area allowed guests to relax and reflect with soothing scents.
#MentalHealthPH partnered with Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Ad Hoc Marketing, and Pool Party Creatives, to bring “Hi, Hope!” to life.
Nikki Lizarondo, #MentalHealthPH Deputy Director for Communications says, “My wish is that after this event, more people will come to us to share their experience, share their stories of hope, so we can help them amplify those stories and further reach more people.”
In the battle against suicide, hope emerges as a powerful ally, capable of guiding individuals toward a future filled with possibility and purpose.
By fostering hope, nurturing resilience, and extending support, #MentalHealthPH believes that it can create a world where everyone knows they are seen, heard, and valued – a world where hope reigns supreme.
As an Italian proverb goes, “Hope is the last thing ever lost.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis and need someone to talk to, please visit https://mentalhealthph.org/directory/ and https://mentalhealthph.org/help/.
