Dear Manang,
I read that depression can lead to death. My brother has been diagnosed with depression because since our mother died, he refused to go to school two months after her death and he just stays in his room. Sometimes he eats and sometimes he talks but he doesn’t look at us. My aunt says we should bring him to a psychiatrist but my father has no time to bring him to the hospital. I told my brother’s teacher about him and she also suggested that we bring him to the doctor. We have no money for treatment. What can I do?
Daniel of Dagsian, Baguio City
Dear Daniel,
Do you have a history of mental illness in the family? Sometimes, your brother’s condition can be explained by the history of your family. Please bring your brother to the doctor. His treatment can be for free because of your financial situation. All you have to do is bring him there so he can get immediate attention. Ask help from the barangay if your relatives don’t want to help. Just get help for your brother. It isn’t too late to help him. There is a section in the hospital called Malasakit Center where you can get medical financial help or you can also go to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Ask an adult to accompany you.
Act fast,
Manang
Dear Manang,
Is it normal for students to laugh at another student? I have a classmate who laughs at another student for no reason. They get his lunch money too. He tries to hide but they wait outside our classroom during lunch break. I am his friend and I know how he feels. He doesn’t want to come to school but he is afraid of his father who makes sure that he enters the school grounds. How can it stop?
Gina of Bineng, La Trinidad, Benguet
Dear Gina,
The only way to stop that is to report it to the guidance counselor and the principal. They will know what to do with the boys who are bullies. Another approach is to make friends with the bullies so they can stop picking on that one boy. If I am right there are other boys that they also pick on. Let the school officials know so they can handle the boys properly. They can also help the boys understand their behavioral problems before it is too late. You will be helping everyone because even the boys who are bullied need to change their behavior. I make it sound simple but that is the best solution that I can think of. You can also ask organizations to bring speakers on bullying to your school. It might also help.
Report them,
Manang
