City Leader Pushes for Compassionate Mental Health Response
After a reported suicide, Cebu City Councilor Francis Esparis called for better mental health care in all local government workplaces. His words struck a chord with many who were sad at the tragic death of a well-known social media star.
During the last City Council meeting in October, Esparis stressed that everyone in the city should be responsible for emotional health. He said that an “epidemic of loneliness” is still affecting people, no matter how rich or successful they are.
Speech Highlights Growing Crisis of Feeling Alone
Esparis gave an impassioned speech about the emotional hardships that people hide behind their prosperity. He added that even persons who are around friends might still feel quite alone and invisible.
He used Cebuano to say that many people are “alone amid the crowd,” which shows how disconnected modern society is in a quiet but deadly way. His call made it clear that families, companies, and government institutions need to be more understanding of each other.
Councilor Urges People to Show Kindness and Concern Every Day
Esparis said that little acts of kindness are a crucial way to keep your mental health in good shape. During the meeting, he told other officials to turn to each other and say, “Kumusta ka karong adlawa?”
Esparis says that these tiny acts may make individuals feel listened to, respected, and supported. He said that genuine recognition might give people who are silently dealing with anxiety or despair hope.
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Breaking the Stigma Around Suicide and Public Perception
The councilor also talked about wrong ideas people have about suicide and the stigma that comes with mental illness. He said that people generally don’t believe it when attractive or successful people kill themselves.
Esparis noted that melancholy doesn’t care about how you look, how much money you have, or what your social status is. He told everyone that anyone can have mental problems and urged them to be kind instead of judging or becoming curious about people who are hurting.
Message Of Faith And Self-Worth Shared With The Public
Esparis made it clear that his address was not psychiatric therapy, but he did provide passionate human advice to people who were having a hard time. He told people to remember how valuable they are, trust their friends, and find strength in their faith in God.
He also said that no one should let other people make them feel less valuable or confident. He remarked that it is preferable to be alone than to be with people who are negative or hurtful.
Proposal for Institutional Mental Health Initiatives
Esparis suggested an executive session to look at Cebu City’s mental health initiatives as a way to improve support services. The proposal calls for convening people from the City Health Department, the Department of Health Region Seven, and mental health groups.
He also suggested that City Hall hire a qualified psychologist to help government workers and people who come in without an appointment. He claimed this step will make mental health care easier for people to get.
Building A Unified Framework For Wellness And Recovery
Digital demands, economic problems, and the battle to recover from the epidemic have all made mental health problems in Cebu worse. More people are reporting incidents of sadness and anxiety, which has led to better collaboration between local authorities and advocacy organizations.
Esparis’s plan draws on past laws that former councilors pushed for crisis response programs. He thinks that working together, learning, and caring for others in the community are the keys to keeping Cebuanos safe and healthy for a long time.
Community Compassion Seen As Key To Sustainable Healing
Supporters argued that Cebu’s mental health problems are similar to those throughout the world that are caused by technology, loneliness, and economic uncertainty. Better mental health awareness campaigns can help people feel less ashamed and give them the ability to get expert care early.
Esparis finished his address by asking for continued kindness. He emphasized that empathy, kindness, and connection are the building blocks of a Cebu that is healthier and stronger, based on unity and understanding.
