The mental health crisis among Filipino youth is escalating. A 2021 study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute showed the rate of suicide attempts among youth aged 15-24 rose from 3% in 2013 to 7.5% in 2021, representing about 1.5 million young individuals. During the 2021-2022 school year, the Department of Education reported 404 student suicides and 2,147 attempts, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
In response, FEBC Philippines launched #YouthMatters, a digital media campaign promoting mental well-being and providing emotional support for young Filipinos. This initiative was developed during the Digital Media Workshop 2.0 in Mactan, Cebu, which gathered representatives from several FEBC fields to expand their digital outreach strategies and connect with youth online.
The campaign targeted 13-24-year-olds in the Visayas region and focused on addressing issues like stress, peer pressure, body image, and social anxiety through interactive videos, graphics, and posts on FEBC Philippines’ Facebook page. Young people were encouraged to reach out and connect with a caring community, while partner organizations like Living Waters Philippines, Back to the Bible Philippines, and the Cebu City Health Department provided free mental health services.
Youth Voices: Messages of Hope and Gratitude
“Salamat po sa pag-share ng ganitong klaseng content. Ang dami kong natutunan tungkol sa pag-manage ng anxiety ko.”—17-year-old, Cebu City
“Dati, pakiramdam ko wala akong makakausap, pero dahil sa inyo, mas na-encourage ako na mag-pray at mag-open up sa mga trusted friends.”—18-year-old, Bacolod
“It’s so comforting to know that there are people who really care. Thank you, #YouthMatters, for helping me feel less alone.”—19-year-old, Iloilo
These heartfelt messages reflect the campaign’s impact, providing emotional relief, and encouraging healthy conversations around mental health. As of July 3, 2024, the campaign reached 123,867 people and sparked over 133 one-on-one conversations through Facebook Messenger.
FEBC Philippines plans to deepen partnerships, refine its digital strategies, and implement a more comprehensive approach to addressing the mental health needs of Filipino youth. With your support, we can continue to break barriers, build bridges, and empower the next generation to thrive mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to us through Facebook Messenger. We’ll connect you with a partner counselor or mental health service that can help.