QC school launches 1st wellness center to address students' mental health

The first wellness center in a school in Quezon City has opened to support the mental health and psychological well-being of students.

The newly opened Wellness Center at Balingasa High School is located along J. Aquino Cruz Street in Barangay Balingasa.

During her visit, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte praised the school administration, Oneheart Christian Fellowship, and the barangay for establishing a facility dedicated to supporting students’ mental health and psychological well-being.

She hoped that the establishment of the wellness center would inspire citizens to maintain a caring and supportive community in every school in the city.

The Philippines observes Suicide Prevention Month every September to raise awareness about suicide prevention and help break the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

Earlier this week, the Department of Health debunked myths and shared facts about suicide.

To help avoid the stigma surrounding suicide, the DOH also presented the following terms that the public may use when talking about suicide:

• Instead of "committed suicide," use "died by suicide" or "dying by suicide."
• Instead of "completed suicide" or "successful suicide," use "died by suicide."
• Instead of "failed suicide attempt," use "suicide attempt" or "self-directed violence."
• Instead of "non-fatal suicide," use "suicide attempt."

—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News