Tabuk CHSO-Mental Health and Wellness

04/05/2026

22/04/2026

𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲, 𝗨𝗻𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝘂𝗸 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆

It can be difficult for people to understand why someone would want to harm themselves. There are many potential reasons that a person may consider su***de. Often, it is the result of long-term difficulties with thoughts, feelings, or experiences that the individual feels that they cannot bear any longer.

Among other things, a person contemplating su***de may feel sadness or grief, shame, worthlessness, intense guilt, feeling that they are a burden to others and have no worth or value, and that life is not worth living.

What can contribute to suicidal thoughts is often complex and personal. For some people, thoughts of su***de may develop after long-term struggles with mental health challenges. For others, these thoughts may emerge during difficult moments or crises.

It’s important to dispel a common myth that only people diagnosed with a mental illness are suicidal. While mental illness can be a risk factor for su***de, many people who experience suicidal thoughts do not have a mental illness. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or mental health history.

A recent report from the Mental Health Council of Tabuk highlights a critical rise in su***de incidents with 29 cases for the year 2025. Of the 29 cases, 12 belong to age bracket of 19 and below, while 17 belong to age bracket of 20 and above. From the 12 male and 17 female victims, 11 lost their lives, termed as fatal su***de behavior.

According to Ms. Hilda Adong, mental health coordinator of the City Health Services Office (CHSO), in January 2026 alone, there are already five su***de cases in Tabuk. Back in 2024, 38 cases werre logged and six cases in 2023.

The CHSO also logged 53 new cases registered for mental health services for 2025. These patients, under medication, suffer several mental health conditions like psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar, depression, dementia, epilepsy, and mental retardation.

City Health Officer Dr. Henrietta Linden Bagayao said the Department of Health (DOH) gives importance to mental health, and the city government must support it. She added that mental health services can be delineated through community-based which is delegated in the four health centers of the city, or through school-based which is implemented in learning institutions, or workplace which is provided by the CHSO.

In the Tabuk City Mental Health Plan for 2026, proposed activities include mental health first aid training for nurses, midwives, barangay health workers, police officers, and guidance counselors, members of the religious sector, and secondary and tertiary institutions. Other proposed programs include the establishment of a local referral and crisis pathway, social and behavioral change advocacy, and the establishment of a mental health crisis hotline.

City Ordinance No.12, Series 2024, authored by City Councilor Atty. Ivan Yannick Bagayao, provides for a mental health program and delivery system in Tabuk. This ordinance aims to identify the cause, prevent, treat, and control mental challenges at all levels, and rehabilitate persons with mental disabilities by referring them to mental health facilities. It also promotes a shift from a hospital-based system to a strengthened community-based mental health care delivery system.

The City Mental Health Care Delivery System shall continue a quality mental health care program through the development of efficient and effective strategies, systems, and mechanisms that will ensure fair and appropriate delivery of mental care to all its stakeholders.

The sorrow of su***de is common among all age groups and affects a wide range of people. You might smile but still think about su***de or be at what you consider the lowest point of your life. Maybe you’re somewhere in between, but if the thought of su***de is frequent, you’re at risk. If you’re thinking about su***de, if you’ve attempted su***de or if you’ve lost someone to su***de — no matter what situation you’re in, help is available.//𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙣

09/04/2026

STRESS AWARENESS MONTH

Pause. Breathe. Take Care of Your Mind.

📌 What is Stress?

Stress is the body's natural response to pressure or challenging situations. It can affect how we think, feel, and act. While some stress can motivate us, too much stress may impact our mental and physical well-being.

⚠️ Common Signs of Stress

Emotional Signs
•Feeling anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed
•Mood swings or sadness
•Difficulty concentrating

Physical Signs
•Headaches or body pain
•Fatigue or low energy
•Sleep problems

Behavioral Signs
•Changes in appetite
•Social withdrawal
•Increased use of alcohol or screen time

🌼 Healthy Ways to Manage Stress

•Practice deep breathing and relaxation
•Get enough sleep (7–9 hours)
•Stay physically active (walking, stretching, exercise)
•Talk to someone you trust
•Take breaks and set boundaries
•Engage in hobbies or activities you enjoy
•Limit social media and screen time

💬 When to Seek Help

If stress becomes overwhelming and affects your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.

01/04/2026

Today may be April Fools, but your health isn’t a prank. Others’ wellbeing is just as serious as yours, and is no laughing matter.

When you’re unwell, take action. Visit your local health center and get help or treatment - before things get worse. 🤗 🏥

30/03/2026

𝗕𝗶𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 is a lifelong mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Manic episodes may bring euphoria, energy, or irritability, while depressive episodes lead to sadness, hopelessness, and disinterest in activities. These mood shifts can affect sleep, energy, judgment, and daily function but are manageable with medication, therapy, and healthy habits! 🌈💙

Let's keep breaking the stigma and embrace understanding—𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘺! ✨

24/03/2026

📍 Mental Health Seminar for Youth Leaders

Where: Northlane Inn Training Center, Bulanao, Tabuk City
When: March 23, 2026

The City Special Concerns and Coordinating Office – Youth and Sports Division, in coordination with the City Health Services Office (CHSO), conducted a Mental Health Seminar for youth leaders. The activity provided participants with essential knowledge on mental health awareness, understanding emotions, and positive coping strategies.

The seminar also encouraged open conversations about mental health and highlighted the important role of youth leaders in promoting supportive, safe, and mentally healthy communities.

17/03/2026

Mental health concerns are more common than we think. Nearly 14% of adult Filipinos experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives, based on the Philippine National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being (2021).

These are real conditions that require proper support, services, and understanding.

Walang health kung walang mental health. 💙

13/03/2026

Friday Mental Health Check-In

How has your week been?
Taking a moment to pause and reflect on our feelings is an important part of caring for our mental health and overall well-being.

Remember, it is okay to experience different emotions. Some days feel lighter, while others may feel more challenging. What matters is allowing yourself time to rest, reflect, and reach out for support when needed.

Let us also take this opportunity to check in on our family members, friends, and colleagues. A simple message, conversation, or act of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

If you are not feeling okay, know that support is available. You are not alone.

09/03/2026

𝐂𝐇𝐒𝐎 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐃𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐖𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍’𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐇

The City Health Services Office (CHSO) called on women to prioritize cervical cancer screening and prevention during a public health briefing delivered at the flag-raising ceremony at City Hall on March 6 as part of the city’s observance of National Women’s Month.

Hilda Adong of the CHSO highlighted the seriousness of cervical cancer among Filipino women, noting that it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the Philippines.

She said that about 11 Filipina women die every day due to the disease, making early detection and prevention crucial.

Adong explained that cervical cancer is commonly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact.

She noted that the disease is particularly dangerous because it usually shows no symptoms in its early stages and is often detected only when it has already progressed.

Among the common warning signs are unusual vaginal bleeding after sexual in*******se, between menstrual periods, or after menopause, as well as heavy or foul-smelling vaginal discharge and pain during in*******se.

In advanced cases, women may experience pelvic pain, backaches, and swelling of the legs.

To prevent cervical cancer, Adong emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14, which is part of a global strategy aiming to vaccinate at least 90 percent of girls in that age group, screen 70 percent of women, and ensure treatment for 90 percent of those diagnosed.

She also cited risk factors such as early sexual activity and multiple pregnancies, and encouraged women to adopt healthier lifestyles, including avoiding smoking and va**ng, maintaining a healthy body weight, and practicing monogamy.

Adong added that the CHSO and all Rural Health Units in the city provide regular cervical cancer screening services.

She urged women to undergo screening, stressing that the procedure is simple, safe, and an effective way to detect the disease early.//Edward Joseph Gacuya

06/03/2026

04/03/2026

In support of the National Women’s Month Celebration 2026, the City Health Office partnered with the Kalinga Police Provincial Office for a Cervical Cancer Screening activity held on March 4, 2026, at Camp Capt. Juan M. Duyan, Bulanao, Tabuk City.

This initiative promotes women’s health, early detection, and preventive care because empowered women prioritize their well-being. 💜