Man up, break down: unpacking the Philippines’ male suicide crisis

The article discusses the male suicide crisis in the Philippines, highlighting the experiences of Richardson Mojica, a 40-year-old university professor and mental health advocate. Mojica has lived with generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and depression since his early twenties, and despite finding fulfillment in his work, he has experienced persistent suicidal ideation, which he describes as "passively suicidal." He recently survived a self-inflicted attempt on his life. The article, published on September 14, 2026, delves into the reasons behind this crisis, suggesting societal pressures and traditional masculinity play a role.