When was the time that we heard of incidents happened because of depression? Well, personally I do not know the data but all I know is that it has been always in the news lately.  It's really sad to know that these things are happening, depression or mental health issue is becoming a problem that most people are facing today, especially the young ones who are mostly engaged in social media and networking sites.
I'm a mom and it scares me, especially with my kids, because the stories seems to be getting worse and the victims are getting younger and younger. I would really want to know more about this, how to prevent it and some ways to deal with it and good to know that Congresswoman Florida Robes is initiating some actions to help fight this problem. It really needs to be addressed.



San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan Representative Florida “Rida” Perez Robes, in a recently released article in one of the leading newspaper mentioned that “In one public high school in a barangay in our town, 10 students, all teenagers, died of suicide due to mental health issues, in a span of one year. Many of the cases are related to online bullying." It's a real problem that we, the elders of this generation, should do something about. Congresswoman Rida was able to point out this problem  because of an incident that happens in her hometown. A tragic story that shouldn't have happened if it was given an attention. This led to her advocating for mental health. Not only because of the news but also from the personal experiences of her relatives. She is not comfortable knowing that depression claims lives in her hometown.

“Depression needs to be treated. Early intervention can come in the form of caring. It helps a lot when a depressed individual knows someone cares,” part of what CW Robes mentioned in the article. Due to this rising numbers of incidents CW Robes plans to put up a mental health center where  individuals who needs treatment can be given a proper advice at an early stage. CW Rida took time to visit different barangays and schools in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, to see the current situations. It is her gesture of bringing hope to the people.

Part of the move and action taken by CW Robes being part of the group that made a partnership with Korean-based Sunfull Foundation, an international non-government organization that raise mental health awareness among individuals and helps combat cyber bullying. Together with her are other lawmakers like Pangasinan Representative Baby Arenas and Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Ann Hofer.

Congresswoman Rida is right to address the problem as more and more youth are becoming more enclosed in social media platforms the more that they are becoming vulnerable to cyber bulling that later on leads to depression. What we, the relatives and friends of people experiencing depression, need to do is give a reason for them to think that we are there for them and we care.

CW Rida calls the attention of the Department of Health to fully implement the Republic Act 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law.

Depression is a serious problem and Congresswoman Florida "Rida" Robes talks about it!