South Cotabato, Philippines | October 08, 2025 – Health officials here are shining a light on the critical connection between mental health and nutrition — a topic often overlooked in suicide prevention efforts.
Angela B. Frugalidad, Community Affairs Officer IV and a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian, urges the public to recognize how food and lifestyle choices affect emotional well-being.
“Nutrition may not be a cure, but it can be a strong preventive tool,” Frugalidad explains.
“A healthy diet helps regulate brain function, reduce anxiety, and manage depressive symptoms that may lead to suicidal thoughts,” she explained.
She points out that micronutrient deficiencies — especially in Vitamin D and B-complex vitamins — can impact mental health.
Vitamin D, also called the “sunshine vitamin,” is activated through sunlight and helps boost mood by supporting hormone production.
B Vitamins like B6 (found in milk, eggs), B9 or folic acid (from leafy vegetables), and B12 (from meat and fish) are essential for brain and nerve function.
These nutrients support the release of key mood-enhancing hormones: serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin — sometimes referred to as “happy hormones.”
Exercise also plays a vital role, Frugalidad stressed.
“Physical activity activates these hormones. Without movement, your body can’t fully benefit from the nutrients you consume,” she said.
Frugalidad encourages families and communities to promote balanced meals, regular exercise, and open conversations about mental health.
“Let us break the stigma,” she emphasized.
“Let’s nourish our minds as much as we nourish our bodies. Because mental health starts with how we care for the whole person — inside and out,” she added.
