Like a Sheep Without a Shepherd: The Importance of Mental Health

A quiet, dark night; birds humming the chirping sounds of their dreams. Inside a house, it filled the unusually mundane night with the irregular sound of silence — a silence that was usually filled with the laughter of a teenage boy, where the mom’s nagging would usually follow. Sensing this, the mom slowly walks toward the tranquil room, the silence almost deafening as she calls her son’s name out. Once, twice, thrice… No response.

She opens the door, expecting her son to lie on his bed, fast asleep and dreaming about his future. Yet, her son, merely 12, lay not on his usually messy bed, but on the cold, hard floor: lifeless.

This story, although cliché, remains a reality — not only for people in the West, but now more and more Filipinos struggle with mental health. It becomes a prominent problem, as young, talented adolescent individuals struggle and commit an act that can’t be taken back. The signs are easy to miss — so, so easy to forget. Behind good memories, big smiles, and strong demeanors are kids dealing with abusive relationships, pressure, and pain they are unable to talk about. While they slowly lose their will to live, the world around them keeps moving.

Hence, that’s the cruel part — life moves forward, even when someone’s quietly slipping away. But maybe, if we paid closer attention, listened a little deeper, and cared a little louder, we could be the reason a grain of sand doesn’t dissolve from the beach that our Lord has created.

Mental health is a serious issue, especially for young people who often struggle with emotions they don’t know how to handle. Many face pressure from school, family, social media, or personal problems that make them feel alone or hopeless. Some may not have anyone to talk to or feel like no one understands them. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and in some heartbreaking cases, thoughts of suicide. It’s not that they want to die; they just want the pain to stop and don’t know where to turn for help.

Preventing suicide among youth requires collective effort from families, schools, communities, and healthcare systems. Open conversations about mental health should be encouraged, breaking the stereotype that keeps so many from seeking help. Early intervention, peer support, access to counseling, and teaching emotional resilience in schools can make a powerful difference. More importantly, showing compassion and listening without judgment can save lives. Everyone has a role in creating a world where young people feel seen, heard, and valued, and where no one has to suffer in silence.

Above all, we need to turn to God and ask for His help, as stated in Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” This highlights Jesus’ compassion for those in distress. It reminds us that many people struggle with overwhelming feelings and lack guidance. By following God’s example, we can extend our support to those in need, providing comfort and direction in their difficult times. Being sympathetic and humble allows us to connect on a deeper level, creating an atmosphere of love and care for those struggling with mental illness. (Malaya B. Intise | St. Francis of Assisi Parish – Ma-a)