A controversial suicide, a confusing tragedy
The controversy surrounding Kristel Tejada’s death is both sad and confusing.
It is sad that a young, promising life was lost and, tragically, by suicide. And blame has been cast on a system perceived to be flawed and on people equally perceived as observing the rules of the system to the letter.
It is confusing that the factors that led to the suicide have been relegated as side issues; suicide is an extremely complex reaction to factors of stress which, more often than not, are multiple and cumulative.
It is sad that Kristel’s death is attributed to a single event.
It is confusing that blame is placed on the managers of a system that is inherently dynamic and evolves according to what is needed and what could be provided, all within the context of a set of rules.
It is sad that for observing the rules of a system, perceived to be flawed, people are blamed. It really is a sad fact that what maintains order for the many is always a set of rules.
—ROBERTO S. SOLIS, MD
425 Arnaiz Ave., Pasay City
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)
Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.
