Listening and a Little Bit of Kindness

Kuya Kim Atienza, a popular TV host was the guest of the podcast “Bare It All” hosted by Dani Baretto last September 24, 2026. In that episode Kuya Kim shared how he lost his daughter Emman who ended her life by suicide.

He said if only he truly listened to his daughter meaning listening without trying to give advice or recommend solutions to what her daughter is going through and if only the world, the people in social media would have been a little kinder, her daughter would have been still alive now. Kuya Kim’s daughter was full of life, though she was having mental health issues and a victim of cyberbullying, she was resilient. Then in just a random day she ended her life. Kuya Kim said it was hard to accept what happened and move on with their lives without Emman but with the grace of God and by having a men’s Christian support group life becomes bearable. For now he is honoring Emman’s legacy by sharing and advocating for mental health issues.

Listening to the said podcast is an eye opener that there are a lot of Emmans in our society especially the youth of today. Many of our youths are suffering mentally and sad to say many parents don’t know how to deal with it. Sometimes we just brush it aside with side comments like….it’s okay, you’ll gonna be alright, life has to go on, forget about it, move on, among others. We never thought that those words are not what they need but a listening ear, our presence and some kind words like I am just here, yes it’s okay to feel that way, you are not alone. Those words maybe quite enough but it is also wise to seek professional help if worse comes to worse. Abrupt changes in your children’s behaviour like being emotionally unstable or being uninterested in things they find delight are just some of the signs that they need help.

Here in the city, a CRISIS HOTLINE for mental health services was launched by the Department of Health, Region XI together with Southern Philippines Medical Center – Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine.

The aim of this initiative is to listen and guide individuals undergoing emotional and mental issues and gave them referrals to mental health experts. The crisis hotline numbers are 227-1513 for landline, 0947-388-5431 for Smart and 0945-292-2333 for Globe. The hotline is available from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday to Sunday.

October is officially designated as National Mental Health Month in our country. This year’s theme: “LAKAS ISIP: A Movement for Mental Health and Well Being” led by the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA) aims to break social stigmas, encourage open conversations, promote wellness initiatives, and improve access to psychological support.

On the other hand, as we commemorate the month of the Holy Rosary, let us include in our petition those who are suffering from mental health issues and pray also for their family that they will fully listen and support their loved ones suffering in this kind of illness. Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, pray for us.