by Raffy Gutierrez
WEEK 1 – The Silent Epidemic
Why Teen Suicides Are Rising and What We Still Get Wrong
Every few weeks, another heartbreaking story surfaces about a teenager or young adult who ended their life. Their family and friends describe them as cheerful, responsible, or gifted—proof that despair often hides behind ordinary faces. Each headline leaves us stunned, asking the same question: How did this happen again?
The sad reality is that even in 2025, we still misunderstand depression. Too many believe it’s a weakness, a lack of faith, or a bad attitude. In the Philippines, we still hear people say, “Kulang ka lang sa dasal,” as though prayer alone can correct a chemical imbalance in the brain. Faith is powerful—but depression is not a spiritual shortcoming. It is a medical condition.
I learned this firsthand in 2004 when I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression. Ironically, that was during one of the most devout seasons of my life. I prayed daily, went to church almost every morning, and surrounded myself with believers. Yet despite all my devotion, I still woke up every day wishing I wouldn’t.
It wasn’t until I sat down with a psychiatrist and started medication that I began to feel something close to normal. That was when I realized that prayer and science were not enemies; they were partners. Faith helped me hold on, but medicine gave me balance.
Depression, like diabetes or hypertension, often requires ongoing treatment. We would never shame a diabetic for taking insulin—so why do we shame those who take antidepressants? The stigma hurts more than the illness itself because it drives people to hide their pain.
The cost of silence is high. Untreated depression can lead to devastating outcomes, and too often, we only realize someone was suffering after they’re gone. The warning signs—withdrawal, apathy, exhaustion—are dismissed as laziness or rebellion. We tell them to “be strong,” but they’ve already been fighting for far too long.
This culture of “tough love” has to stop. Strength isn’t pretending you’re okay; strength is asking for help when you’re not.
Parents, teachers, and friends must learn to listen without judgment. A simple “Hey, I’m here if you need someone to talk to” can open a door that saves a life. Compassion, not correction, is what keeps people alive.
If you are the one struggling, remember this: depression is not your fault, and it is treatable. Don’t let shame keep you from getting the help you deserve. Seek medical attention, talk to a counselor, tell a trusted friend.
You are not weak for needing help. You are brave for seeking it.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. Help exists—and it works.
Continued in next week’s article: Inside the Void – What Depression Feels Like and Why It’s Hard to See.
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Rafael “Raffy” Gutierrez is a Technology Trainer with over 25 years of experience in networking, systems design, and diverse computer technologies. He is also a popular social media blogger well-known for his real-talk, no-holds-barred outlook on religion, politics, philosophy.
