Warning: This project contains mature and sensitive themes such as depression and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

His  phone rang at four in the morning. Richard  was in Hong Kong . He thought family calling from Germany might have just forgotten about the time difference. The next morning he returns the call only to be told of the news that no father would ever wish to hear: his daughter Emma, 21 years young, had taken her own life.

September is officially Suicide Prevention Month. Every month should be suicide prevention month. Every day should be suicide prevention day. 

In our continuing effort to normalize conversations about mental health among Filipinos, we talk to Richard Wickes - teacher, psychologist, Tai-Chi master, and father - to learn about his ongoing journey towards coming to terms with the guilt, anger and pain, and making sense of the loss of his "Daddy's girl'.

Sources:
1. 3.3 million Pinoys suffer from depression.
2. Suicide is the 27th leading cause of death in the PH.
3. Groups slam gov't for relying on religious leaders as suicide cases rise in PH

Erratum:
Our goal must be to reduce the taboo and stigma surrounding suicide. To do so, we must update our language. We must stop using words or phrases such as, ‘committed suicide’, and instead say "died by suicide".
Read further here.

Listen to Richard's podcast here: Discover Energy Work
Learn about Richard's experiences and techniques involving energy work here:
 Energy

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*Our podcast does not offer professional medical, sexual, or mental health advice. Our show aims to express truths about our personal experiences in dealing with issues we discuss. If you are undergoing depression or having suicidal thoughts, please go to these links: NCMH (PH) or Find a Helpline (worldwide).

It's okay to ask for help.