WORLD EDUCATION CONNECT MULTIDISCIPLINARY E-PUBLICATION
Vol. V Issue IX (September 2025)
International Circulation
This is an open-access, peer-reviewed, and refereed international publication in online & printed versions that features research papers, abstracts, theses, dissertations, and journals. It is registered to the ISSN National Center of the Philippines, and ISSN International Center, the Global Index for Continuing Resources with ISSN (Online) 2799-0842 and ISSN (Print) 2799-130X.
World Education Connect Multidisciplinary e-Publication, Vol. V, Issue IX (September 2025), pp.61-69
Authors
Julie Anne K. Cabaltera, Allyssa Q. Omawas, Joyce Ramos,
Annabelle A. Dela Rama, Juancho C. Tesado, and Erica T. Pedro
Language and Literature Unit
Abuyog Community College
ABSTRACT
This qualitative study phenomenological in design examines the narratives of families bereaved by suicide in Abuyog, Leyte. The exploration aimed to identify the verbal and behavioral indicators exhibited by individuals with suicidal tendencies, explore the regrets expressed by their surviving family members, and propose potential intervention strategies that may help address the problem. While several studies on suicide cases had been conducted in Leyte, this paper focuses only on the behavioral and verbal patterns of individuals experiencing suicidal inclination. The study is anchored on the Sapir–Whorf Hypothesis, which posits that language influences perception and cognition, guiding the analysis of verbal and behavioral indicators.
Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants, and thematic analysis was employed to extract salient themes. Findings revealed six overarching themes: (i) inadequate awareness and absence of early intervention (ii) overlooked warning signs, (iii)subtle and atypical behavioral manifestations (iv)emotional and relational stressors (v) pervasive regrets accompanied by “what if” reflections, and (vi)restricted emotional expression.
The study concludes that unidentified linguistic patterns and suppressed affective states significantly impede timely recognition and intervention. While several studies on suicide cases had been conducted in Leyte, this paper focuses only on the behavioral and verbal patterns of individuals experiencing suicidal inclination. Consequently, the findings underscore the necessity for culturally attuned, community-based suicide prevention programs tailored to local contexts.
Keywords: suicidal inclination, suicidal ideation, depression, mental health verbal and behavioral patterns,
INTRODUCTION
Suicidal ideation, defined as thoughts, considerations, or preoccupations with ending one’s own life, remains one of the most pressing mental health issues globally. It can manifest as passive thoughts, such as wishing to die, or more active planning involving methods and intent. Suicidal ideation is a critical predictor of suicide attempts and suicide death, making its early identification and intervention vital in mental health care and public health strategies (Turecki & Brent, 2022). The complexity suicidal ideation, defined as thoughts, considerations, or preoccupations with ending one’s own life, remains one of the most pressing mental health issues globally. It can manifest as passive thoughts, such as wishing to die, or more active planning involving methods and intent. Suicidal ideation is a critical predictor of suicide attempts and suicide death, making its early identification and intervention vital in mental health care and public health strategies (Turecki & Brent, 2022). Moreover, the complexity of suicidal ideation stems from its multifactorial origins—ranging from psychological disorders like depression and anxiety, to external stressors such as trauma, abuse, poverty, and social isolation (Klonsky et al., 2021).
The World Health Organization (2021) reported that suicide accounts for more than 700,000 deaths annually, and for every individual who dies by suicide, there are many more who attempt or think about it. Alarmingly, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15–29 years globally. In low- and middle-income countries, such as the Philippines, the burden is exacerbated by limited access to mental health services, cultural stigma surrounding mental illness, and a lack of structured suicide prevention programs (WHO, 2021).
Moreover, In the Philippine context, suicide remains underreported and often misunderstood due to prevailing cultural and religious beliefs. Dayrit et al. (2022) points out that many communities still treat suicidal behavior as a moral failing rather than a mental health issue, which discourages individuals from seeking help. The Department of Health (DOH) and non-government organizations have taken steps to promote mental health awareness, yet there is a significant gap in localized and community-based suicide prevention initiatives. (Dayrit et. al, 2022) Relatively, according to the National Statistics Office and reports from the Department of Health (DOH) for region 8 (Eastern Visayas), Philippines, there were 95 suicide cases recorded in 2023, which is an increase from 49 cases in 2022. Additionally, police stations in the six provinces of the region logged a total of 204 suicide cases from January to December 2023. In the case of Abuyog Community College, based on Guidance Office record, there were 3 students died by suicide in the previous years, mostly men. Hence, this incident prompted the researchers to conduct a qualitative study on suicidal ideation.
Further, Language indeed constitutes a critical indicator in the identification of suicidal ideation. Manifestations of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness frequently emerge within oral discourse, written communication, or social media content preceding suicide attempts. Contemporary research underscores the significance of systematically analyzing both verbal and written linguistic cues, particularly among adolescents and young adults, as these indicators may function as precursors to suicidal behavior (Bryan et al., 2021). Given the growing incorporation of mental health frameworks into digital and community contexts, linguistic analysis has garnered recognition as a promising methodology for the early detection of individuals at elevated risk and for facilitating timely intervention (Desmet & Hoste, 2020).
Understanding the narratives and communication patterns of individuals with suicidal thoughts is especially important in rural communities such as those in Leyte. Here, where access to mental health services is scarce and stigma remains strong, local language and expression often carry hidden meanings of distress. A deeper analysis of these “words as warning signs” could serve as a culturally responsive means to detect suicidal ideation and encourage community-based prevention strategies.
The primary goal of this research is to determine the linguistic patterns and specific word choices used in written and spoken communication that may serve as indicators of suicidal ideation. Educators, local government units, and community workers may benefit from this study by gaining a deeper understanding of early warning signs, leading to more effective interventions.
Statement of the Problem
This paper explores and analyzes the narratives and narratives of family members whose love one died by committing suicide. Specifically, it sought the following questions.
1. What are the experiences and narratives of family members who have lost a loved one to suicide?
2. How are suicidal tendencies manifested through the verbal communication of affected individuals?
3. What specific behaviors do individuals exhibit prior to suicide, as perceived and reported by their family members?
4. What regrets do family members express concerning the words spoken or left unsaid to their loved one before the suicide occurred?
5. What intervention programs can be developed and implemented to reduce the incidence of suicide in the region or country?
METHODOLOGY
Research Design This study significantly examines the narrative inquiry narratives of family members whose love ones died by committing suicide. Narrative inquiry seeks to understand and represent stories, highlighting the essence of human experiences as described by participants (Creswell, 2013), focusing on how individuals express internal states through language.
Research Locale The study was conducted in Abuyog, Leyte, a first-class municipality in Eastern Visayas, Philippines, with 63 barangays and a population of approximately 61,000 (PSA, 2020). The specific barangay selected for this research was chosen because it has been identified as having the highest reported rate of suicide cases in the municipality, making it a critical area for examining mental health concerns and preventive interventions.
Research Participants. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring they were immediate family members of individuals who died by suicide and were willing to share their personal stories and narratives in detail.
Research Instrument Validation. A semi-structured interview guide, validated by a Research Instructor and licensed Guidance Counselor for clarity and sensitivity was used in this study. The critical evaluation process was undertaken to verify that all questions were relevant to the research topic and appropriately designed to elicit information pertinent to the aims of the study.
Ethical Considerations The study adhered to RA 11036 (Mental Health Act) and RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012) to protect the rights, dignity, and privacy of all participants. In line with these laws, informed consent was obtained before collecting any data, and confidentiality was maintained by using pseudonyms instead of real names. All physical and digital records were stored in secure, restricted-access locations to prevent unauthorized access. The information gathered was used solely for the purposes stated in the consent form, and participants retained the right to access, correct, or withdraw their data at any time. These measures ensured that the research was conducted in a legal, ethical, and respectful manner, always prioritizing the well-being of the participants.
Data Gathering Procedure Orientation and consent were followed by semi-structured interviews in the participants’ preferred language, audio-recorded with permission, transcribed, and analyzed. The researchers asked permission from the College President of the school to allow them to conduct an off-campus interview. Similarly, they too asked permission from the Barangay Captain of the local where the participants reside. Subsequently. each participant signed an informed consent form prior to the data collection. This ensured that their participation was entirely voluntary and that they had been fully informed about the purpose, goals and their rights as research participants. Each interview was conducted in a respectful environment and lasted approximately 30 minutes. After the interviews, the researchers proceeded to the coding stage, carefully reviewing, and analyzing the transcribed data. Through this process, various significant statements and ideas were identified, allowing different themes to emerge.
Data Analysis Narrative analysis was employed to examine and interpret the stories shared by the participants, identifying recurring plots, characters, and meanings as they unfolded in their narratives.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Several themes emerged from the transcription obtained after conducting a semi-structured interview on the participants. These themes are as follow:
Lack of Awareness and Early Intervention:
During the interview. the participants consistently emphasized the absence of mental health education and intervention programs within their community. They expressed concern that the lack of seminars and awareness activities contributed to the inability to recognize early signs of emotional distress. As one participant shared, “Kulang sa seminar ug health awareness about sa mental health ba, wala man diri sa among baranggay.” (There is a lack of seminars and health awareness about mental health here in our barangay)
Another participant reiterated, “Ang baranggay dapat naay mga seminar about sa mental health.” (The barangay should have seminars about mental health) while others highlighted that such initiatives could specifically help prevent youth suicide: “Unta naay mga seminar about health awareness ba aron makatabang sa mga kabataan nadili sila maghuna huna ug hikog.” (There should be seminars about health awareness to help the youth, so they won’t think about committing suicide). These statements suggest that the absence of community-based educational programs hinders early identification and intervention, aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) ’s (2021) recommendation that mental health awareness is crucial in suicide prevention.
Missed Warning Signs: All participants in this study revealed that they did not notice any clear or alarming behaviors before the suicide incidents, reflecting a broader difficulty in recognizing warning signs. One participant recalled, “Naistoryahan ko to ug sakit ba, nahiubos ko sa iya ug naistoryahan nako siya ug sakit ba. Wa ko kabantay ug lain niya ba. Kahuman nako maistoryahi ug lain mag-explain ko sa ila. Nakita nako sa iya nga mutago siya ug mga ing ana ba, di siya ka voice out ba.Unya wa ko magdahom nga pagka hapon, mao dayon to nagbigti siya.”(I noticed that he would hide things… he couldn’t voice them out. I never expected that in the afternoon, he would hang himself) Others stated plainly, “(There was no sign that he would do that). In many cases, the absence of typical indicators was striking: (He didn’t give away his belongings, nor did he leave a note) with others confirming (None). This underscores the difficulty of detecting suicidal intent when overt indicators are absent, consistent with previous studies noting that many families fail to identify subtle cues (Bruce et al., 2004).
Subtle and Unusual Behaviors: While most did not observe explicit warning signs, some participants recalled behaviors that, in retrospect, appeared unusual or symbolic. One family member recounted, (He kept hugging the youth, the churchmates, and our pastor), while another remembered, “ wah man toh siya sabti na maingon adto siya wah pud senyales. Ning miagi na semana magsigi raman toh siya ug tapad tapad naho niya mukalit rah siya ug ingon nakon na ‘’ug mamatay ko ma dili kana kaanak ug sam nakon ka gwapo” (A week before, he suddenly said, ‘If I die, Mom, you will not have a son as handsome as me anymore). Similar unusual actions were noted: “Nag gakos man to siya, himala na gi gakos man siya sa akoa, na usahay molakaw na dili man manghid sa ako- a.”(He hugged me, which was unusual, and sometimes he would go out without telling me), and “Naa toy kausa nga sige siya ug pang hug sa mga ka youth, mga ka church ug sa among pastor. Mao diay to.” (People at church noticed he seemed to be saying goodbye hugging a lot and spending time with them). These narratives point to subtle behavioral changes and indirect verbal hints that could have been potential red flags if interpreted within the context of suicidal ideation (Desmet & Hoste, 2020).
Emotional and Relational Stressors: Participants identified emotional pain and relationship conflicts as significant contributing factors. One participant stated, “lunes sira nagbuwag niya pagka miyerkules siya nag suicide so mao rah jud toh ang akon maingon na hinungdan sa iya pag hikog.”(On Monday, they broke up, and by Wednesday he committed suicide), while another regretted not intervening in a relational conflict: “kon gipukusan ko pa toh siya ug maayo basin wala siya maingon adto. Kay kon nakahibaw pud ko na diri diay siya tanggap sa ginikanan sa iya uyab kaistoryahon ko unta sila.” (If I had known that his girlfriend’s parents didn’t accept him, I would have talked to them). The emotional and social loss was deeply felt, as one shared, “Dako toh siya ug katabang namo maong sakit jud na wah na siya”.(He was a great help to us… losing him is painful). The tragedy also disrupted educational goals: “Nag eskwela gani to sa acc, first year college,wala gani siya na human sa first year college kay mao to nag hikog siya. (He didn’t finish his first year in college because he committed suicide). These accounts support O’Connor and Nock’s (2014) finding that interpersonal rejection and life stressors can serve as potent catalysts for suicidal behavior.
Regrets and “What If” Reflections: The suicide of their loved ones left participants with deep regrets and lingering “what if” scenarios. Many reflected on opportunities they felt they missed: “Kon maaram lah ako na magsugad siya sana ginpukusan ko pa siya aron wah siya maghikog. (If I had focused more on him, maybe he wouldn’t have done it) and “Unta dapat gi sundan nako, para dili siya mag ing-ana, mag pakamatay ba.” (I should have followed him so he would not do that). Others expressed a longing for earlier intervention: “Kon maaram lah ako na magsugad siya sana ginpukusan ko pa siya aron wah siya maghikog. (If I had known from the start, I would have paid more attention to him so he wouldn’t commit suicide). However, some resigned themselves to the unchangeable nature of the event: “Wa naman ma’am kay nahitabo naman” (None… because it already happened). These responses echo Joiner’s (2005) assertion that family members often struggle with feelings of guilt and helplessness following a suicide.
Limited Emotional Expression: A recurring observation was that the victims often concealed their emotional struggles, refraining from sharing personal issues even with close family members. As one participant explained, “Diri man adto siya mutug an kong naa sila’y problema sa iya uyab”(He never told me if he had problems with his girlfriend). Others noted the absence of written or verbal communication about suicidal thoughts: “Wala man pud toh siya suwat nga mag ingon atoh siya” (He didn’t write anything about committing suicide), and “di man toh siya mutug an kon naa siya’y problema kanang murag gihuom lah niya”(He would hide things and couldn’t voice them out). These accounts suggest that emotional suppression and lack of open communication may hinder timely support, reinforcing the need for fostering safe spaces for emotional disclosure within families.
Lack of Sensitivity to Verbal Patterns: Another emerging theme in the participants’ narratives was the lack of sensitivity or attentiveness to the verbal patterns expressed by their loved ones prior to the suicide. While some individuals with suicidal inclination did not verbally disclose their distress, others exhibited subtle shifts in language—such as expressing hopelessness, detachment, or ambiguous farewell messages—that were either misunderstood or completely overlooked by family members. Participants often admitted that they failed to interpret these verbal cues as warning signs at the time. One participant shared, “Mag-ingon siya usahay nga kapoy na daw siya, pero abi ra nako kapoy sa trabaho.” (Sometimes he would say he was tired, but I thought it was just from work). Another recalled, “Sige siya ug sulti nga ‘wala na’y pulos akong kinabuhi,’ pero abi nako drama lang.” (He kept saying ‘my life has no purpose,’ but I thought he was just being dramatic). These accounts reveal that even when verbal signs were present, the absence of mental health literacy and cultural sensitivity to emotional language led to misinterpretation or dismissal.
This theme highlights the importance of increasing community awareness about how language reveals inner psychological struggles. Research by Bryan et al. (2021) shows that linguistic signs like expressions of worthlessness or isolation often precede suicidal behavior and need urgent attention. In rural Filipino families, where communication tends to be indirect and emotions are often suppressed, these subtle verbal cues may be overlooked or misunderstood due to cultural norms. The participants’ failure to recognize these cues points to a crucial gap in suicide prevention: the need to train families, educators, and peers to actively listen and interpret verbal expressions within their emotional and cultural context.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Based on the findings the following conclusions are drawn.
1. Lack of mental health education and community awareness programs hinders early recognition of suicidal signs.
2. Many people did not notice clear warning signs before incidents, though subtle cues like unusual hugs, farewell-like statements, or behavior changes were recalled later.
3. Emotional distress tied to relationship issues, rejection, and life stressors often triggered suicidal actions, with regret over missed chances for open communication and intervention; victims commonly suppressed emotions and did not seek help.
4. Suicidal tendencies show both obvious and subtle signs, but these often go unnoticed in rural areas like Abuyog due to low mental health awareness and cultural stigma.
5. Emotional suppression and poor family communication delay timely intervention.
6. Relationship problems, social isolation, and rejection increase risk, but community members rarely connect these stressors to suicide without proper education.
7. Language is a key indicator of distress, yet families lack training to recognize it. To bridge these gaps, culturally sensitive, community-focused mental health programs are needed to empower families, schools, and local leaders in identifying and addressing early warning signs.
Recommendations
The following recommendations are proposed as integral components of the intervention strategy:
1. The local government of Abuyog, in partnership with barangay officials and mental health professionals should implement regular community-wide mental health awareness programs focused on recognizing verbal and behavioral warning signs, using real-life examples for better understanding.
2. Schools and youth organizations should adopt structured suicide prevention training to promote empathy, peer support, and timely reporting.
3. Families should be empowered to foster stigma-free environments that encourage emotional openness, while the municipality should establish accessible mental health services such as confidential hotlines, mobile counseling, and barangay-based support centers to provide immediate crisis assistance.
4. For the future research, it is recommended, it should explore how cultural norms influence mental health communication in rural areas to develop locally relevant and sustainable interventions.
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DOI 10.5281/zenodo.17104336
