December 30, 2024
Researcher and Writer: Tobey Calayo
Editor: Richardson Mojica
Moderator: Tobey Calayo, Marc John Paul Agbuya
Creatives: Krystle Mae Labio
At MentalHealthPH, we have witnessed countless stories of courage from Filipinos across time zones, culture, and profession. People began opening up about their struggles despite the stigma, families made an effort to support one another better, and organizations took steps to implement mental health policies. These may seem like small steps, but they represent significant progress toward a more compassionate and understanding society.
Mental health remains a critical societal issue in 2024 and beyond. Filipinos faced an unprecedented series of severe weather events, with successive tropical cyclones impacting the country. Natural hazards, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, were also prominent, compounding existing challenges. These events cascaded into greater struggles, including navigating economic difficulties on top of political problems and more. Yet, in the face of these trials, the bayanihan spirit came alive in various forms — from following congressional inquiries into POGO to supporting each other in starting conversations about emotional well-being.
A lot of things can happen in a year – 2024 showed that again, while we may have been years away from the initial onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, or the heartbreaks of the 2022 elections, the year still highlighted critical political moments for the Filipinos. The senate inquiry to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO), an arrest to a key religious figure, and only recently, a landmark win against red-tagging – there is a lot to politically unpack for the year.
The stories that were written for the year, some of them down on one’s luck, underscores the reasons to be grateful, we ought to be thankful because of abundance in insights, in clarity, and the opportunity to continue onto the next. Gratitude enables us to see these actions as a part of a larger narrative of being Filipino – one that underscores our unique ability to rise together, uniquely in our own capacity, while still maintaining altogether the enthusiasm to contribute to a better country.
As we welcome 2025, may we carry forward the lessons and gratitude we’ve cultivated this year. Let us continue advocating for mental health awareness, supporting one another, and celebrating the courage it takes to prioritize well-being.
And if all you can think of at the end of this year is surviving it – it is TOTALLY okay. We brag about the things we’ve accomplished, getting through the year is surely on top.
Onward with gratitude, let’s make every step count! We at #MentalHealthPH is filled with gratitude to have YOU in our year, here’s to 2025! #UsapTayo
Session Questions:
- In moments of challenge during 2024, how did you find reasons to be grateful?
- What lessons can society take from 2024 to foster a more compassionate and grateful community?
- What changes can we suggest to make gratitude a central part of our system’s structure and environment?
