September 10, 2022

Writers: Marie Nicole Ingrid Lusterio, Jasmin Cyrille Tecson
Researcher: Marie Nicole Ingrid Lusterio, Jasmin Cyrille Tecson
Editor: Alvin Joseph Mapoy, K Ballesteros
Peer Reviewer: Alvin Joseph Mapoy
Graphics: Mitz Sabellano, Billie Fuentes, Sarah Mondoy, Jacklyn Moral, Krystle Mae Labio
Tweetchat Moderators: Allyssa Jane Q. Fincale, Ian Stephen Velez
Spaces Moderators: Azie Libanan, Alvin Joseph Mapoy, Richardson dR Mojica

Throughout the years, mental health institutions and advocates consistently promoted consciousness and understanding of the psychological well-being of society and individuals. Today, we celebrate World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) alongside the global mental health community to emphasize this matter’s importance, including minimizing the stigma, raising awareness, and addressing the world that suicide can be prevented [1].

In the Philippines, various mental health organizations, including #MentalHealthPH, have joined this WSPD campaign. In light of this initiative, one of the #MHPH online campaigns, #UsapTayo, delivers its message to educate and to help zero the stigma through Twitter Spaces and Tweetchats. Join us this 10th of September as we raise awareness and bring hope in light of World Suicide Prevention Day.

WHAT: CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION

Some people experience mental health challenges that may lead to suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Nowadays, suicide has become a relevant societal and public health concern in the mental health aspect. Before the pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported worryingly high numbers of 700,000 who lost their lives to suicide every year. Globally, this incline is the fourth leading mortality cause in the lives of adolescents and young adults [2].

Due to these alarming rates, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) began the campaign of World Suicide Prevention Day every 10th of September. The WHO endorsed this campaign, including other countries, volunteers, and non-government organizations. WSPD is a dedicated prevention campaign with a global role in providing suicide preventive measures and awareness. Through the triennial theme for 2021-2023, “Creating Hope Through Action,” the campaign aims to strengthen awareness and empower hope by encouraging people across the globe on the importance of taking action [3].

WHO: A HELPING HAND

The surge of the global pandemic caused anxiety, panic, distress, and fear among people worldwide. During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a spike of 57% in the suicide rate within the country. Because of this, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) launched hotlines for mental and psychological call concerns. The NCMH disclosed that from March to August 2020, there was a 75% increase in NCMH hotline calls, going from 400 calls a month to 700 calls  [5].

A remote psychological health service like this was discussed by the Department of Health OIC Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergerie and local mental and psychosocial care groups to manage the psychological impacts. On top of this, many non-government organizations make their hotlines available 24/7 for free consultation and telemental health response initiatives to anyone experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Other organizations and departments also launched different preventive measures to alleviate the mental health cases, such as webinars, psychosocial support sessions, and other support and help [6]. 

Twitter and #MentalHealthPH, together with its partners: the National Center for Mental Health, Department of Mental Health Thailand, Into the Light Indonesia, Samaritans of Thailand, Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, The Samaritans of Hong Kong, and Samaritans of Singapore, also voiced their support in last year’s World Suicide Prevention Day as they talked about similarities and differences across borders in one of #UsapTayo’s session, #CreatingHopeAsia [7].

WHERE & WHEN: HELP IS HERE; HOPE IS LIMITLESS

As social media use increases, we often see and hear stories from people worldwide. We can connect with people with similar experiences through social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to name a few.

It has been an ongoing discussion about how social media affects our mental health in both positive and negative ways. While some might argue that social media promotes negative effects on its users, we also found out that routine use of social media can produce positive effects on our mental health [10].

Here are some positive effects of using social media [11]: 

• Communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the world.
• Find new friends and communities; network with other people who share similar interests or ambitions.
• Join or promote worthwhile causes; raise awareness on important issues.
• Seek or offer emotional support during tough times.
• Find vital social connections if you live in a remote area, for example, or have limited independence, social anxiety, or are part of a marginalized group.
• Find an outlet for your creativity and self-expression.
• Discover (with care) sources of valuable information and learning.

Social media can be a harsh place for its users, but if used appropriately, it can be a platform that will connect and give hope to everyone. 

Our role in suicide prevention is essential to help save lives. As we build a community full of hope that turns into definite actions, we can continue the line of people’s lives in the midst of difficulty and uncertainty. We can grow our communities by fostering a sense of connectivity and belongingness, where everyone feels seen and valued. Furthermore, the importance of seeking help is highlighted and always made available by our professionals, organizations, and institutions committed to extending mental health care services to everyone [9].

HOW: BE THE LIGHT

Let’s shed the darkness as we light the hope within us. Be someone who is a source of hope and take action to save lives. All together, let’s create hope through action [4].

• Reach In. Be someone who shares hope and gives care. Our part is listening to others about their experiences, present situations, and even sudden events which make a big difference in others’ lives. The efforts we offer through time and space are considered to aid, and we can make them feel that they are not alone. We may start conversations or listen to them as we create a sense of connection and hope in someone struggling. 
• Share Experiences. Be someone who shares stories and inspires. Reliving a moment of struggle is a hard thing to do. In a sense, it’s like rubbing something in your wounded scars, and we understand how hard it can be to share these experiences. This is why the person sharing their story must know how to do so in a way that is safe for them and for those who hear their story. This kind of conversation will help others who are also struggling to connect. Your insights and stories can encourage others to reach out and ask for support and help for themselves.
• Encourage Understanding. Be someone who shares awareness and promotes prevention. Let’s lead the creation of a world of compassion and understanding. Through our collective voices, we can break the stigma that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Start to speak and uplift others to recognize that suicide is preventable. 

Be the source of light by creating hope through action. These actions are signs that hope is alive and there will be someone, or you could be someone, who can be the hope in struggling times 

Always remember, hope is here. Hope is near.

If you or someone you know needs mental health consultation, kindly refer to our directory for mental health facilities, services, and organizations around the Philippines: https://mentalhealthph.org/directory/

Pre-session Activity

• Tweet your “Fight Song” and quote your favorite lyrics within that song

Guide Questions:

1. What action/s from someone has helped or given you hope before?
2. In what ways can you show/give hope to other people?
3. How can we spread awareness about hope to the online and offline community?

Post-session question:

• What does the word “HOPE” mean for you?

References:

1. World Health Organization. (June 2021). Suicide. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). World Suicide Prevention Day 2022. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/2022
3. International Association for Suicide Prevention. (April 2021). World suicide prevention day new theme. https://www.iasp.info/2021/04/15/world-suicide-prevention-day-new-theme/
4. International Association for Suicide Prevention. (n.d.). World Suicide Prevention Day: Creating hope through action. https://www.iasp.info/wp-content/uploads/Creating-Hope-Through-Action.pdf
5. Philstar. (June 2021). Pandemic year sees 57% rise in suicide rate in Philippines. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/07/06/2110596/pandemic-year-sees-57-rise-suicide-rate-philippines
6. Department of Health. (June 2020). DOH: Mind your mental health; Health organizations offer remote care services. GOVPH. https://doh.gov.ph/press-release/DOH%3A-MIND-YOUR-MENTAL-HEALTH%3B-HEALTH-ORGANIZATIONS-OFFER-REMOTE-CARE-SERVICES
7. World Health Organization-Western Pacific. (September 2020). DOH and WHO promote holistic mental health wellness in light of the world suicide prevention day. https://www.who.int/philippines/news/detail/10-09-2020-doh-and-who-promote-holistic-mental-health-wellness-in-light-of-world-suicide-prevention-day
8. MentalHealthPH [@mentalhealthph]. (2021, September 3). Meet our partners in #CreatingHopeAsia for the #WorldSuicidePreventionDay [Tweet]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/mentalhealthph/status/1433764803894411270
9. National Alliance. (n.d.). Help is available; Hope is a reality.  https://theactionalliance.org/messaging/entertainment-messaging/amlt
10. Roeder, A. (2020, January 6). Social media use can be positive for mental health and well-being. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; The President and Fellows of Harvard College. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/social-media-positive-mental-health/
11. HelpGuide.org. (n.d.). Social media and mental health. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health

The post We Sparkle Prevention at the Dawn (WSPD) Theme: CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION (WSPD) first appeared on MentalHealthPH.

The post We Sparkle Prevention at the Dawn (WSPD) Theme: CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION (WSPD) appeared first on MentalHealthPH.

I was born on Independence Day, a day of freedom for the rest of the Filipinos, yet ironically I spend years wondering when I would be free – from pains, insecurities, worries, and fears.

I was an achiever growing up. On the outside, everything seemed smooth and perfect. I excelled in different fields: academics, journalism, dancing, sports, and was even elected as a muse. I received a lot of praises, but felt that in every praise I received came the higher expectations. I started to feel like all eyes were on me, that one single mistake would undo all the things I worked hard for.

I went to college carrying all the pressure of being a high achiever. I felt there was no room for me to show weakness and pretended that everything was going well. It couldn’t be farther from the truth. I was struggling. I was afraid to fail. My whole body shook every end of the semester when our grades were released.

I cried a lot because I was afraid to fail. The mere thought of disappointing people gave me nightmares. I felt this way for four years without realizing it wasn’t normal, and continued to push myself to study harder.

One would think relief came upon graduation day. But for me, my worries did not end there. It worsened because I knew everyone was looking forward to our licensure exams. The people around me expected I would pass. The pressure during this time was difficult and I felt lucky to have someone I could share my thoughts with. It lightened me when things felt heavy. This person was not approved by everybody, however. But instead of following expectations, in this case, I followed my heart. 

It took two weeks before the licensure exam results were released, and knowing what you know about me by now, you can only imagine the agony of waiting.

I found out my name was not on the list. It took days for me to internalize what was happening. My worst fear came true: I was a failure. Despite working hard all these years, this one mistake proved that I really was not good enough.

I stayed at home for two months. I deactivated all my socials and ignored everyone except for the one person who became my support system. As the days passed by however, I started to feel alone. I eventually found out that he betrayed me with somebody else in the most painful way. I immediately decided to remove him from my life, but the trauma unfortunately stayed.

It was all too much. I had already made all these plans when I graduated but none of it happened. I felt stuck and left with no other options. I felt scared to the extent that my body would start shaking every time I thought about what had happened. I couldn’t breathe properly. I barely slept and ate. Eventually, I felt I really needed help. I went to see a psychiatrist. 

I could hear the silence while I was alone with my doctor and initially felt really afraid. Once she smiled at me, I burst into tears and told her every detail of my story. I did not expect it would be so easy. 

I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks. It wasn’t new to me because I researched the symptoms I was feeling. I did keep this to myself at first, but when my brother reached out to me, I told him about it and he helped me with my medication. The rest of my immediate family also eventually found out, and my doctor also talked to my guardians as part of my therapy.

Unfortunately, I stopped taking my anxiety medications because I did not have a good experience with it. I had a full-blown panic attack that nearly brought me to the ER. I calmed down when my mom wrapped her arms around me and told me to breathe. 

I signed a waiver to stop taking my medications and went through a series of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). 

I told myself that since I no longer took medication, I had to exert extra effort to help myself. I followed every advice that my doctor gave me. I started meditating twice a day. I learned breathing techniques. I exercised, spent my spare time trying to distract my mind from negative thinking.  I  traveled to relax and unwind and eventually became a travel buff. I kept on doing these routines and after 5 months, I got my first job. I met new people, which at first made me so anxious. Slowly, I got used to my new job and my colleagues.  I noticed that I was starting to get back to my old self. Though the anxiety attacks were still there, I was already making a lot of progress, which I was glad about, so I decided to discontinue my therapy sessions but still constantly did my routines. While I still have my routines, I have also ventured into exploring new things. I’ve been interested in different ways of meditation. I recently enrolled in pole dancing lessons. And I’m still looking forward to more adventures that life has to offer.  

Four years have since passed, and while I still encountered a lot of challenges along the way, things still fell into place. I did not get a local license and was not hired in my dream company, but I do have international certification that led me to my current job in an Australian firm. I’m also in a relationship with a guy whom I’ve known for 13 years. He has been very patient with me when I was having anxiety attacks during the first couple of months that we were together. I am grateful that he always does the best way that he can to protect my mental health. All in all, it took me 2 years before I could finally say that I am better now.  

Having anxiety gave me a lot of worries and nervousness,  but it also led me to valuing and loving myself more. Every day is a new chance to heal from the past, make the present memorable, and to be excited for the future. To assure that I  can make this happen,

I’ve been waiting for this moment to share with everyone that I am a survivor and I want to let  everyone know that as long as you’re still breathing, no matter how heavy or hard it is, there is still hope. So please keep on fighting and give yourself a chance to live the life you wish to have. how you wanted to. Let’s all be free from all these pains, insecurities, worries and fears. Breathe in hope, breathe out despair.

Editor’s Note: Failure is a normal part of the human experience, but it makes us believe in the negative thoughts and doubts in our head saying we are not good enough. We hope this story reminds you that every day we are alive is a chance to start anew. Like the author, there is nothing wrong with asking for help to deal with this in a healthy way. Please feel free to visit our directory for a list of mental health services available in the Philippines, or call the NCMH hotline (09178998727) for emergencies.

The post #VoicesOfHope: Inhale Hope, Exhale Despair first appeared on MentalHealthPH.

The post #VoicesOfHope: Inhale Hope, Exhale Despair appeared first on MentalHealthPH.

High school is supposed to be the best years of your life, but that wasn’t always the case for me. Throughout high school, I received hate messages and death threats on a daily basis. Surprisingly, even my teachers jumped in and gossiped about me. I never understood why everyone was so invested in my life when in fact, I shared none of it. I was always amazed at how they came up with creative stories about me. 

I started experiencing this in 8th grade, but it didn’t bother me until 9th grade—when everything in my life reached rock-bottom: I was having problems at home, my mental health was crumbling, I was trying to figure out how to raise my sibling on my own, plus I was in a toxic relationship. I didn’t know where to turn for peace and solitude.

You wouldn’t think I was having problems when you saw me in school. I always appeared unfazed and never showed defeat, perhaps because of my eldest child syndrome. Nobody got a reaction from me unless it was warranted. But deep inside, I was completely overwhelmed. I would skip school to spend the entire day in my room. It was my way of finding peace and disassociating from whatever was going on. I used to daydream a lot as a form of escape, and I did it all throughout high school. Though I knew I’d have to return to reality the moment my sibling got home, I was just relieved to have that little space – somewhere safe, somewhere I could let my guard down. But I knew I had to rise to the occasion someday.

There came a point in my life when I realized I needed to make a change. I was fed up with the bullying culture in my school, and more fed up with how no one did anything about it; so in 10th grade, I ran for and won the position of student council president.

My entire term revolved around bullying. I proposed support groups for students who were bullied. During my term, the student council held classroom-to-classroom discussions about the issue. It was an advocacy of mine to make sure the victims knew they weren’t alone and had someone to lean on, because I didn’t. I suppose in a way, knowing they were seen and heard made me feel seen and heard.

The number of times I saw hopelessness in the eyes of students whenever they cried about their experiences was overwhelming, and it made me want to stand up for them. I thought to myself, “If I cannot stand up for myself, I can do something to stand up for them.” 

Despite my experience, I could say that high school was the best years of my life because I learned how to channel my pain into something productive. That was when I found my passion for helping people. Looking back now, I honestly have no idea how I survived everything I went through, but I hold this experience close to my heart. I tell myself, “If I survived all of that, I can survive anything.”

Editor’s Note: Being the target of bullying does a great number to a person’s mental and emotional well-being. If you find yourself relating to this experience, know that you are not alone, you do not deserve to be treated poorly, and that you are worthy. Perhaps like the author, you can channel your pain into something productive, but if it all becomes too overwhelming, please feel free to visit our directory for a list of mental health services available in the Philippines, or call the NCMH hotline (09178998727) for emergencies. 

The post #VoicesOfHope: Turning Tables first appeared on MentalHealthPH.

The post #VoicesOfHope: Turning Tables appeared first on MentalHealthPH.

This is a heartbreak story.

No, not the kind of story that you’re thinking of.

For most people, a failed romance is the one that hurts the most but mine was a lost friendship. Let me start from the beginning.

Six years ago, in high school, I met someone that eventually became my best friend. We were the kind of friends that were polar opposites but clicked like a switch. You know how magnets are, right? Even if I was quiet and she was loud, opposite poles attract. My god, she was loved by many. She was selfless and I adored her because of that. She was also brave. She had the courage to stand up for herself and for the people that she cared about, including me. We were more than best friends; we treated each other like sisters.

Uneventfully, upon entering senior high school, we parted ways. She left the school and I remained. I gained new friends and so did she. I slowly eased into this new scenario and slowly enjoyed the life I was living. But when I thought everything was okay, things started to unfold. As it turned out, life was not how I expected and wanted it to be.

One day, I learned that my boyfriend was cheating on me. Of course, I became a total wreck. I needed my best friend by my side but we were miles apart. After some time, I recovered and started entertaining a new guy. We tried but we both weren’t looking to be in a serious relationship. Another romance ended, another time of needing my best friend by my side.. but, we weren’t talking.

All of a sudden, she sent me a message. I was glad that she did because we were both busy living our lives. We haven’t contacted each other in a while so I got excited to talk to her. She told me what was happening in her life and that she had been talking to someone that likes her. I cheered for her; she deserved to be loved. Aren’t best friends supposed to cheer for one another?

But, why? Why did it take her that long? Was it so hard to spend a minute to type and ask, “How are you?” We waited long enough that it scarred us both. After meeting new people, we thought we were fine without each other but we were the best of friends. We let our pride get in the way of friendship. On her end, she apparently heard rumors about me that she believed. I knew what it was but I didn’t reach out to her. I should have before the news came flying to her like a paper. But, as I was preparing to tell my side of the story, she brought it up. My best friend told me that she wasn’t mad but our conversation went downhill. I couldn’t get a grip; I couldn’t catch up. I tried to apologize but I became off-tracked. I tried to compose myself to explain but it was too late.

A few days later, I tried to contact her again to explain.. but her ears were shut. I knew, right then, that we were experiencing the peak of testing of our friendship. So although I was hurting, I gave her the space and time that she needed. I knew that I was at fault and I could not force her to talk to me. I waited and waited, but when I tried again, she didn’t even bother to listen. I felt blocked like I’d hit a wall. I tried to persistently pursue her. But eventually, exhaustion caught up. I got tired of chasing an impossible race.

She and I. Me and her. That was what we were before. There was always an “and”. We were connected like cords closely knitted together. But, we took different paths down the crossroad. Our lives became poles apart from before. There was no “and” any longer and I was faced with a dead end. She left as fast as she could with questions in mind. And, I was left at the same place with questions unanswered.

The moment I realized our friendship was really over, I let her go. There is no way we will cross again, at least, not in this way. Life is a journey of ups and downs, of coming and going. People come and go. So, I gritted my teeth and bore with it.

I grieve what was lost but I rejoice all the memories we had.
I grieve what could have been yet, I celebrate all the had-beens.
Maybe, we’ll have our time. Maybe, we won’t. Only God knows.
For now, I will keep our memories etched in the deepest recesses of my heart so that someday, when I look back, I will be grateful that you fell into my life at a time.

It made me glad and content that in the process of losing everyone, I found myself. As I traced back to the track, I became at ease with the sound of my footsteps. As I slowed down from running, I started to enjoy breathing in the fresh air. As I stopped looking after your shadow, I realized the beauty of my own. And as I ceased walking towards you, I began to walk towards myself.. towards my own journey.. towards my own path.

When life separated me from people who weren’t for me, it pushed me to be in-tuned with the sound of my own heartbeat. This is what I learned from losing people: What was and is meant for me is myself. No one else but myself. I am my own completion. When I lost people, I won myself. And, that is the greatest prize I could ever wish for.

– Anonymous

The post #VoicesOfHope: Meant for Me first appeared on MentalHealthPH.

The post #VoicesOfHope: Meant for Me appeared first on MentalHealthPH.

Writers: Marie Nicole Ingrid Lusterio, Allana Marie Manguerra, Aiah Osano

Researcher: 

Editor: Tobey Calayo

Graphics: Sarah Mondoy, Jacklyn Moral, Krystle Labio

Today’s youth understand that civic engagement is a crucial part of being human; their ability and capacity to uproar and demand from the top to fight back against oppression, imperialism, and injustice done by the system and its drivers are characteristic of their generation. Their activism and fulfillment actualize this social, political, and cultural consciousness of societal obligations, one of which is voting; it has been observed in the past months that the youth is loud and proud in participating and campaigning for life-changing leaders in the 2022 National Elections. K Ballesteros (20 August 2020), in an #UsapTayo Article, emphasized the newer generation’s cohort entanglement with current and emerging technologies. This parallel correspondence with social media and online platforms paves the way for the youth to have a chance to join the public forum and combat an ever-growing infection of disinformation and propaganda. The youth are taking the stand for the nation they’ll inherit.

These young hopefuls are actively engaging with politics and other societal issues. With 66 million registered voters among the youth, their significant contribution to making a change and providing a perspective on improving different aspects of life is highly recognized by the Commission of Elections (COMELEC) and poll watchdog Democracy Watch Philippines (DemWatch). As the youth population took the part of 51% in voting, this percentage created a significant impact on the outcome of the election. (Depasupil, 2022). 

The promising and optimistic mindset among the youth about the election gained a positive perception about the future. There are various ways that the youth expressed themselves as the members of the society as they made sure that they could be heard and fulfill their role in the country as being the “pag-asa ng bayan”.

Volunteerism

The young people are campaigning  for good governance and transparency. The youth have great  determination, and a dream to serve and care for people’s welfare through the act of volunteerism. This unity  among the youth made it possible to help  make a better change for the country (Pefianco, 2022).

Online Political Engagement

Members of Generation Z constitute a large user-base on  social media. Because of this, there is a lot of information about the politics and government that are uploaded on various platforms. Young people are always online as they engage with the current situation of the society. With the power of technology, these young people are able to learn, not only about the politics and candidates, but also about  addressing corruption and the importance of transparency for the country. Through social media,  their social awareness increases as the information is more accessible and available because of the internet (Barona, 2022).

Critical and Educational

The surge of social media usage simultaneously arises with misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation is defined erroneous information shared  without the awareness that it is false information.  Disinformation, on the other hand, is  defined as actively promoting erroneous information for some hideous gain (UNESCO, 2021; Business Insider, 2021) To put it simply, it can be described  disinformation as a question of intent, where shared information was meant to deceive and is typically political in nature (Tucker, 2018, Chapter 2, p. 11).  Due to the threat of disinformation and misinformation, young people  are more equipped to be critical thinkers as they fight for the truth and facts. Their role in proliferating veracity indicates  honesty, responsibility, and courage as Filipinos.

Filipino Youth’s Hopes and Aspirations

With at least half of the total registered voters being between ages 18-30, these numbers show the youth vote’s considerable weight in the outcome of the elections (Jorge, 2022). The 2022 elections has shown the youth’s intense passion towards volunteering and campaigning for their desired candidates, while speaking up against disinformation that is being spread in social media (Wee, 2022). These can be accredited to their increased interest and engagement about  politics and civic awareness, which mirror their desire for change and their hopes for the future. And as the 2022 election draws to a close, these efforts will soon be realized but not without being replaced with questions about what comes after.

Learning from the past election at a Knowledge for Development Community (KDC) event last 2016, the youth were asked about their hopes for the country and their expectations following the post-election period. Major themes like education, employment, environment, and politicians’ engagement with citizens emerged during the discussion, highlighting the lack of accessibility on most of these issues  (Garcia, 2016). Similar themes emerged in the responses of the Filipino youth in a recent project by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This project was a collaboration between Youth Co:Lab, and the Citi Foundation in 2021. It shed light on the hopes and aspirations of the young Filipinos (UNDP, 2021 as cited by Pajayon-Bearse, 2022), including the top concerns: 1) Good governance, 2) Post-COVID recovery, and 3) Education. Additionally, it was also mentioned in the report that the youth worries about our warming climate, conflicts and handling of disasters such as typhoons and the current pandemic, and in the accessibility of healthcare and social services. 

In summary, the Filipino youth are specifically concerned with matters of good governance in our country, sustainability and inclusion, education, healthcare, and social services, and whether these issues will be given importance by the elected individuals.

We are in a democratic country whose  citizens are free to vote for whoever they want to lead. Therefore, we can’t control the outcome. The youth can only do their part. Hence, they must be prepared for whoever wins. They must continue creating awareness, voicing out concerns and being courageous for fellow youths. 

For  every action, there is an intention. The youth must ask themselves about the most qualified candidates who will help address their most pressing concerns.

Guide Questions:

1. How empowered are the youth of today? What causes the youth to feel empowered in our political climate?
2. What do the Filipino youth hope and aspire for in terms of the election outcome? 
3. How can we continue to empower the youth after the election period? As part of the youth sector, what can we do to support one another and our country?

References

Baroña, J. F. C. (2022, April 8). “Social media helps shape youth vote.” The Manila Times. Retrieved May 7, 2022, from https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/04/08/news/national/social-media-helps-shape-youth-vote/1839285

Depasupil, W. B. (2022, March 4). Comelec tells youth to go out and vote. The Manila Times. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/03/05/latest-stories/comelec-tells-youth-to-go-out-and-vote/1835199/amp

Garcia, M. R. (2016, May 26). Hear our voice: Young people in the Philippines want more from their leaders. World Bank Blogs. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://blogs.worldbank.org/eastasiapacific/what-the-filipino-youth-want-beyond-the-may-2016-elections

Jorge, C. (2022, February 15). Understanding the youth vote. INQUIRER.Net. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://opinion.inquirer.net/149856/understanding-the-youth-vote

Journalism, “Fake News” and Disinformation: A Handbook for Journalism Education and Training. (2021, May 7). UNESCO. Retrieved May 2022, from https://en.unesco.org/fightfakenews

Misinformation vs. disinformation: What to know about each form of false information, and how to spot them online. (2021, January 15). Business Insider. Retrieved May 2022, from https://www.businessinsider.com/misinformation-vs-disinformation?international=true&r=US&IR=T

Pajayon-Bearse, P. P. (2022, March 17). Beyond their numbers: The youth vote, their concerns and aspirations. BusinessWorld Online. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2022/03/07/434345/beyond-their-numbers-the-youth-vote-their-concerns-and-aspirations/

Pefianco, M. A. (2022, May 5). Antique youth: ‘We are campaigning for good governance and transparency.’ RAPPLER. Retrieved May 7, 2022, from https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/youth-antique-campaigning-good-governance-transparency/

Persily, N., & Tucker, J. A. (2020). Social Media and Democracy: The State of the Field, Prospects for Reform (SSRC Anxieties of Democracy). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108890960

Wee, S. (2022, May 2). Ahead of Philippines Election, Young People Rally Around Leni Robredo. The New York Times. Retrieved May 8, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/01/world/asia/philippines-election-marcos-robredo.html

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January 20, 2021

Writer: Jerwin Regala
Editor: K Ballesteros
Graphics: Jacklyn Moral and Ian Stephen Velez 
Tweet Chat Moderators: Christine Joy Salva Cruz, and Marc John Paul Agbuya
Twitter Spaces Moderator: K Ballesteros 
Documentation: Tobey Fhar Isaac Calayo

One of the most sensitive topics in mental health awareness and advocating for it is its connection with cultural backgrounds like faith, religion, and spirituality. Living in a deeply-rooted religious country, Filipinos often respond with  “kulang ka lang sa dasal” to issues including anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. However, we also cannot deny that our faith can be beneficial for our mental health. 

Religion and spirituality are two different things: the former is an organized, community-based system of beliefs, while the latter refers to an individual’s personal beliefs and values. There is spirituality in religion, but spirituality does not necessitate a religion. They are both rooted in trying to understand the meaning of life. In some cases, a relationship with higher power may influence that meaning. 

How do religion and spirituality affect our mental health? Luna Greenstein of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in the United States listed the positive impact of religion and spirituality.

Mental Health Benefits of Religion

Religion gives people something to believe in, it provides a sense of structure, and it typically offers a common ground through which a group of people connects with similar beliefs. These facets can have a large positive impact on mental health. Here are some of religion’s main mental health benefits:

1. Community

• Initiates social connections with other members 
• Creates a sense of belonging to a group
• Offers trustworthy and safe social engagement

2. Ritual

• Helps people to cope with difficult life situations (i.e. a ceremony for the loss of a loved one)
• Allows for time to rest as well as holidays and other special times of the year

3. Teachings

• Provides guidelines to live by (i.e. the importance of doing the right thing)
• Teaches compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude
• Identifies life lessons, even from challenging situations

Mental Health Benefits of Spirituality

Spirituality is a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves; it helps a person look within and understand themselves while figuring out f how they fit into the rest of the world. Spirituality also incorporates healthy practices for the mind and body, which positively influences mental health and emotional wellbeing. Here are some of those benefits:

1. Individuality

• Enhances a person’s sense of self and empowerment through the choice to decide what their practice looks like
• Focuses on an individual’s connection to what they believe in and their own personal growth
• Accepts any person, whether they are part of a religion or not

2. Mindfulness

• Encourages meditation and self-reflection
• Leads to a meaningful life philosophy (i.e. feeling connected to others, nature or art)
• Prompts expression in any form such as art, poetry, myth or religious practice

3. Unity with Surroundings

• Renews a sense of belonging in the world
• Inspires appreciation and awareness of a person’s interaction with the physical environment

Religion and spirituality can help improve our mental health and promote mental health awareness provided that they are presented in supportive ways. 

Questions: 

1. What does your religion or spiritual practice teach about mental health awareness? 
2. How does religion or your spirituality affect your mental health?
3. How would you like mental health awareness to be perceived by members of your faith? 

Reference:

[1] Greenstein, L. (2016). The Mental Health Benefits of Religion and Spirituality. Retrieved January 12, 2021, from  https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2016/The-Mental-Health-Benefits-of-Religion-Spiritual

The post #UsapTayoLite: Religiosity, Spirituality, and Mental Health first appeared on MentalHealthPH.

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December 20, 2021

Writers: Sarah Mondoy
Editors: Alvin Joseph Mapoy, Azie Libanan, K Ballesteros
Researchers: Sarah Mondoy
Creatives: Jacklyn Moral and Marie Nicole Ingrid Lusterio
Moderators: Ian Stephen Velez, Marga Miñon, Pat Sevilla, Aiah Osano
Documentors: Raven Gavino
Spaces: Alvin Joseph Mapoy, Tobey Fhar Isaac Calayo, Marie Nicole Ingrid Lusterio

“Para kanino ka bumabangon?” A question from a familiar, famous coffee. How do we answer this question? Do we even have the right answer? In what ways does this question affect our daily lives?

Defining Passion and Purpose

Vallerand’s (2003) Dualistic Model defines passion as a strong inclination toward a self-defining activity that people like (or even love), find important, and in which they invest time and energy on a regular basis. The dualistic model proposes two types of passion: (1) harmonious and (2) obsessive [1].

Morales (2020) discussed the difference between the two types of passion in an article posted on Psychology Today. In harmonious passion (HP), an activity is integrated into the authentic self because it is highly valued, and the person chooses to engage of their own free will. Harmonious passion focuses on mastering the self  rather than controlling others. It is linked to the “flow state,” which happens when one is immersed in a task that leads to losing a sense of self. Activities counted as harmonious passion often feels effortless. It also reinforces psychological functioning, physical health and overall well-being [2].

Meanwhile, obsessive passion (OP) demands being obsessed with or being persistent on which one is passionate about. With OP, the activity overpowers the person. The sense of self-control is lost. OP makes the person reliant on what they are passionate about to produce feelings of self-worth. There is a need to focus on control over external factors.. Obsessive passion involves the ego and creates a rigidity when doing activities. This results in an inability to step away from the activity that can further affect interpersonal relationships. Generally, harmonious and obsessive passion predict our behavior. Our passions may also affect how we perceive ourselves and our sense of purpose.

In 2014, Larissa Rainey of the University of Pennsylvania explored the search of purpose, its definition, and the purpose of anxiety. According to Rainey, to understand the search for purpose, we must first understand purpose itself. From the various definitions of purpose that was explored, Rainey defined purpose as a consistent and central life aim that (1) makes use of an individual’s strengths, talents, skills, values and passions, (2) stimulates goals for the future which also influences an individual’s actions in the the present, (3) is at once personally meaningful and contributing to someone or something other than the self and (4) willingly fulfilled. Rainey mentioned that purpose can be viewed as an intrinsic motivation for meaningful goals that creates a pull to the future [3]

Passion and Purpose in the Pandemic

In a recent article released by BBC, Morgan (2021) discussed how workers have been affected by the pandemic. Most have lost interest in jobs they loved. Some workers were cognizant about the chosen careers but the pandemic forced the doubts and dreadful feelings of coming to work. For almost two years, many employees felt their love for work to deteriorate, while others are disappointed towards other people’s careers. Some disinterest was amplified. Many workers now seem to be having a tough time in their current profession because of the pandemic. It is really discouraging to come to work with a job that we no longer feel connected to.  The pandemic has caused plenty of downtime which resulted in waning interest [4].

Claudio Fernández-Aráoz of Harvard Business School discussed pivot points or situations in which individuals must decide what to do next. According to Fernandez-Araonz, the pandemic is an example of a pivot point that allowed us to redefine our future. Having been privileged to speak with more than 4,000 individuals, Fernadez-Araoz learned from each of their journeys and discovered how pivot points aid in the progress towards richer and more meaningful lives. He was able to come up with the 6Cs that are critical in finding our purpose and living a happier and more successful life. These are our (1) capabilities or talents that we already have, (2) connectivity which refers to the relationships that we have or we ought to build, (3) credibility, how we value the sense of integrity, (4) contemplation, an ability to step back and look at the bigger picture, (5) compassion, our positive ways of taking care of ourselves and even the people around us and (6) companions, vital people who are consistent and who make us happier and stronger [5].

Passion, Purpose and Well-Being

Researchers Philippe, Vallerand, & Lavigne (2009) examined the differences in wellbeing between passionate and non-passionate individuals of various age groups. They worked on correlating passion with (1) hedonic well-being which views well-being in terms of a person’s general happiness with their life and (2) eudaimonic well-being which views well-being in terms of self-realization and growth. The study supported the idea that being harmoniously passionate in activities contribute significantly both to hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Meanwhile, not being passionate or being obsessively passionate in an activity does not contribute to well-being at all. The results were the same for both women and men of all ages. The same study also showed that individuals who are harmoniously passionate experience an increase in subjective vitality or a sense of aliveness and energy over a 1-year period relative to obsessively passionate and non-passionate individuals. This was also true across ages and genders [6].

In 2013, Schaefer et al. researched about purpose in life and how it predicts better emotional recovery from negative stimuli. This research purpose further defined purpose as  the tendency to derive meaning from life’s experiences and possess a sense of intentionality and goal directedness that guides behavior. The researchers tested whether purpose in life was associated with better emotional recovery. By conducting an experiment where participants were exposed to negative picture stimuli. The eyeblink startle reflex (EBR) was utilized to measure sensitivity and emotional state. Results were differentiated from emotional reactivity and emotional recovery. As concluded in the research, greater purpose in life, assessed over two years prior, predicted better recovery from negative stimuli, even after controlling for initial reactivity to the stimuli during the picture presentation, gender, age, trait affect, and other well-being dimensions. These data suggest that having a purpose in life may protect and build recovery from negative stimuli. In  turn, purpose may also confer resilience through enhanced emotional regulation after being exposed to negative stimuli [7].

Ways to Find Fresh Passion and Purpose

In an article by Psychology Today, Susan Biali Haas, M.D. talked about her own journey in finding her passion and purpose in her many years of practice as a professional [8]. Here are some of her suggestions:

1. Be curious, pay attention, and be open to new things

Leave space for wonder. Let us entertain the child in us who is always fascinated with new things. Be open to opportunities and possibilities that will come along the way. In a time of uncertainty, we never know what’s ahead of us, but being open will allow us to know ourselves better.

2. Watch for needs and causes that you are passionate about

There are causes that we are willing to fight for no matter what. Let us find the needs and causes that actually make an impact not only to ourselves but also to others. What improves us in all aspects may also boost other people’s lives.

3. Look back at your childhood for inspiration

“When I grow up, I want to be a dentist.” Can you still recall what you wanted to be back in preschool? We might find interesting things that we were obsessed about when we were younger that may strike the inspiration of what we want to pursue.

4. Notice and pursue activities that make you lose track of time

When we lose ourselves in an activity, it means that we should do it more often. These are called flow-producing activities that improve our well-being. This was also further discussed in the book Flow and the Foundations of Positive Psychology by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

5. Start small and keep it fun

Working on our passion does not need to be grand. With all that has happened in the past year, we can work on small things at a time. We can choose to do something that we really love to, what we can make time for and is manageable. Doing things in small amounts but regularly will make a great impact to make us feel better.

6. Protect what matters by making it a priority

One of the effects of the pandemic is that it highlighted our priorities and values. With this, we can focus on what we recently discovered as priorities. It is also important to keep these priorities in mind so we can protect it and behave in a way that we are truly passionate about.

Passion, Purpose, and Permissions

We are nearing the end of another year. This means that we are about to face a new one. A new year paves way to new beginnings and new chapters in our lives. With the forced pause and the months of being stuck at home, beyond the struggles of daily life, we were also challenged to take time and look within ourselves.  The pandemic may have been a negative force in our health, but it also paved a way for us to check how we’re doing with our lives. We may be pressured or anxious to pursue whatever path we are in, but our passion and purpose serves as a guide to build our strength, courage, resiliency and our overall well-being. Though it may be a blur at times, let us allow ourselves to acknowledge the blurs as part of the process. Your #UsapKada is here to remind everyone of the permissions we take in our daily lives. Finding our passion and purpose begins in self-awareness followed by our intrinsic motivation. As Bob Moawad, author of Whatever it Takes, said in his book, “he best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours – it is an amazing journey – and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.”.  Let us journey together in finding our why’s and slowly figure out the hows.

Guide Questions:

1. How do you define passion and purpose?
2. How did the pandemic affect your passion and purpose?
3. How can we reignite our passion and purpose for 2022?

References:

[1] Vallerand R.J. (2016) The Dualistic Model of Passion: Theory, Research, and Implications for the Field of Education. In: Liu W., Wang J., Ryan R. (eds) Building Autonomous Learners. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-630-0_3

[2] Morales CHt./EFT, J. (2020). Two Types of Passion: Harmonious vs. Obsessive. Retrieved 15 December 2021, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/building-the-habit-hero/202008/two-types-passion-harmonious-vs-obsessive

[3] Rainey, Larissa, “The Search for Purpose in Life: An Exploration of Purpose, the Search Process, and Purpose Anxiety” (2014). Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Capstone Projects. 60. https://repository.upenn.edu/mapp_capstone/60

[4] Morgan, K. (2021). Why so many workers have lost interest in their jobs. Retrieved 16 December 2021, from https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210826-why-so-many-workers-have-lost-interest-in-their-jobs

[5] Fernández-Aráoz, C. (2021). Reigniting Your Purpose in the Wake of the Pandemic. Retrieved 16 December 2021, from https://hbr.org/2021/10/reigniting-your-purpose-in-the-wake-of-the-pandemic

[6] Philippe, F., Vallerand, R., & Lavigne, G. (2009). Passion Does Make a Difference in People’s Lives: A Look at Well-Being in Passionate and Non-Passionate Individuals. Applied Psychology: Health And Well-Being, 1(1), 3-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1758-0854.2008.01003.x

[7] Schaefer SM, Morozink Boylan J, van Reekum CM, Lapate RC, Norris CJ, et al. (2013) Purpose in Life Predicts Better Emotional Recovery from Negative Stimuli. PLoS ONE 8(11): e80329. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080329

[8]Haas, M.D., S. (2021). 6 Ways to Find Fresh Passion and Purpose. Retrieved 13 December 2021, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/prescriptions-life/202106/6-ways-find-fresh-passion-and-purpose

The post Passion and Purpose for 2022 first appeared on MentalHealthPH.

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December 10, 2021

Writers: Christopher Jan Dumaguin, Jasmin Cyrille, Rafael Reyes
Editor: K Ballesteros
Researchers: Christopher Jan Dumaguin, Jasmin Cyrille, Rafael Reyes
Creatives: Krystle Mae Labio, Jacklyn Moral, Klein Xavier Boiser
Moderators: Tobey Calayo, Marga Minon, Ella MIlitante, Charlie Tanala, Irla Feliciano, Aiah Osana, and Mitz Sabellano
Documentors: K Ballesteros
Spaces: Alvin Joseph Mapoy, Angelica Jane Evangelista, Tobey Fhar Isaac Calayo, Marie Nicole Ingrid Lusterio, Sci Torres, and Angel Almeda

Almost two years under the dreading pandemic and on and off lockdown situation, our bodies and minds have not yet gotten used to restrictions under the Covid-19 pandemic. A study about Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines showed that 40% of Filipino respondents reported moderate-to-severe anxiety and 60% reported moderate-to-severe depression and psychological impact during the early phase of the pandemic [1]. Additionally, a multi-country study regarding the effects of lockdown on the mental health of young adults showed that the Philippines showed the highest mean score among all other countries namely Egypt, Pakistan, India and Ghana. Filipinos also tend to use self-destruction as a coping strategy among others [2]. Self-destruction or self destructive behavior are intentional or unintentional ways to harm oneself [3]. 

In the study Suicidal Ideation and The Workplace by mental health services company MindNation, 5,868 employees of Philippine companies were surveyed from September 2020 to June 2021 [4]. The survey covered questions about workplace satisfaction, and the respondents’ mental health. The study looked at factors that affect employee mental health, and ways it can be improved [4]. The study found that COVID-19 fears were the biggest source of mental health challenges among suicidal employees, followed by personal matters, financial pressure, work performance pressure, and loneliness [4].

The year of 2021 has become a period of enlightenment for Filipinos on the importance of mental health. Online platforms and advocacies address current issues about mental health. And one of Mental Health PH’s social media campaigns, #UsapTayo, seeks to educate and zero the suicide cases and stigma against mental health [5]. Mental health advocacy has always been the heart and soul of #MentalHealthPH [5]. Since 2016, the organization has increased awareness about people’s struggles with mental ill-health, empowered members to support themselves and others, and collaborated with various sectors towards sustainable solutions [5]. Mental Health in the Philippines has been the focus of non-government organizations to address Filipinos’ mental wellbeing during the pandemic. The Department of Health (DOH) partnered with the National Privacy Commission to deliver free telemedicine services in the country and has delivered teleconsultation services to over 70,000 and counting [6]. In relation to this, the Department of Education (DEPED) also launched various initiatives like boosting their mental health system to help students, teachers and the general public to be in touch with various health organizations offering mental health services across the country [7]. More notable acts this year are the mental health movements and programs of organizations nationwide. To highlight, Mental Health PH conducted programs like Creating Hope Asia [5] and BetterToday [8].

Mental Health in the Workplace

The massive societal shifts underway have changed company cultures and employee perceptions around mental health [9]. Companies have invested more towards a better working environment, leading employees to also start expecting their workplace to accommodate mental health as equal to physical health. [9]. Still, many companies (and individuals) do not feel comfortable talking about mental health [10]. Without an open dialogue within the workplace, employees who are struggling with mental health will likely not feel comfortable sharing what they are going through or seeking help—until it becomes too much to handle, causing negative effects for both them and the company [10]. 

Although employers have responded with initiatives like mental health days or weeks, four-day workweeks, and enhanced counseling benefits or apps, they were not enough [9]. Employees need and expect sustainable and mentally healthy workplaces, which requires taking on the real work of culture change [9]. Employers must connect what they say to what they actually do [9].

A 2021 report by the American Psychological Association showed that 71% of employees typically feel tense or stressed out during the workday [10]. People, also, now feel they are overworked yet underpaid. 56% said that their low salaries are affecting their stress levels, while 50% said they have too heavy of a workload in 2021 — higher than 49% and 44%, respectively, in 2019 [10].

Employees with productivity issues become inefficient with time as a resource, incurring a productivity loss of about two hours for each day they work under these conditions. [11]. This means that these employees are losing one day per week, which translates into a loss of two months a year due to their productivity challenges [11]. Almost a quarter of the respondents said they are thinking about quitting due to mental health challenges. When they factor in the employees who are really challenged with mental health issues and think about quitting, it becomes 5% of the total employee base in every company [11].

Harvard Business Review reports that compared to 2019, more employees are facing difficulties in their mental health this 2021, and the struggle remains evident for underrepresented workers and young employees [9]. Millennials and Gen Zers, as well as LGBTQ+, Black, and Latinx respondents were all significantly more likely to experience mental health symptoms [12]. Like Millennials and Gen Zers, caregiver respondents and members of historically underrepresented groups — including LGBTQ+, Black, and Latinx respondents — all were more likely to leave roles for their mental health and to believe that a company’s culture should support mental health [9]. There is a similar trend in the Philippine workspace where almost 1 in 4 Filipino workers have considered leaving their work because of the mental health burden they faced [11].

To support mental health in the workplace, it needs to start by having willingness and openness to talk about it. Having an open dialogue about mental health will empower employees to speak up and seek help if and when they need it [10]. Plus, when team members see their co-workers and leaders talking about their own mental health issues, it can make them feel less alone—which can make the process feel a bit easier to navigate [10]. The more you talk about mental health at work, the more your team will be willing to talk about it—and the better you can support them as a result [10].

While there is still a great deal to be done, some companies have made progress on the culture front, likely fueled by the pandemic [9]. Employers that have supported their employees with the pandemic, racial injustices, return-to-office planning, and/or mental health overall have better mental health and engagement outcomes [9]. Promoting autonomy, establishing boundaries, and creating norms around communications, responsiveness, and urgency can go a long way toward building a mentally healthy culture [9]. 

Further, employers should provide organization-wide opportunities for connection and also promote these ongoing, deeper one-on-one conversations between managers and direct reports as well as between colleagues [9]. “How are you?” should always be followed up with “How can I help you?” especially at the manager level [9]. The importance of empathy and authenticity cannot be overstated [9]. The future of workplace mental health demands culture change — with more vulnerability, compassion, and sustainable ways of working [9].

Mental Health during uncertainty 

Ask Yourself. Have you ever asked yourself about the things you have done this year and begin to wonder that they could have been any better? This should not account to hate yourself because the very goal in asking yourself is to resolve some of your few (or many) issues. Awareness is the key. This mental habit would mainly help you to sort things out about what you should do and who you should be.

This world is not as easy as black and white or good and bad but it is okay to remind yourself that you are not always right. That, when you begin to ask yourself about everything that makes you feel uncertain, think of the many things that you need to reconsider.

Mistakes and conflicts surely are inevitable to happen in our lives since not everything we plan, we succeed. Not everything we want to happen, they happen. And sometimes, this is the root when instead of asking ourselves where we have gone wrong, we belittle ourselves for they did not happen as much as we planned. We become miserable day after day.

But as most everybody says, life is too short to be miserable. You really do not have to spend your whole life asking yourself and just wait for something to happen and do nothing. What really matters is even when you know nothing, at least you are doing something because you know to yourself that the little hope within you will eventually ignite and save you.

Normalize Grieving. Everyone can contain something, yet everything is limited. You cannot have everything, and everyone cannot love you either. That is the reality. But that is also why most people cannot just easily accept when they are being rejected, or when they have experienced loss and suffering. Truth hurts, anyway. To normalize grieving constitutes to take up space—we have to recognize and embrace our weaknesses and learn from our loss and failures.

This is easier said than done, but if nothing has been said, nothing can be done.

Every winner or champion has felt the urge to quit. During their training and practices, they probably suffered a lot. Cried a lot. Failed a lot. Grieve a lot over something that they think they could never really do it, and their best was not just good enough. It took ages for them to realize what they lack. As time went by, they have eventually learned what needs to be done for them to achieve the results or outputs they want.

This case may be true for some people who have already experienced failures and hopelessness. But this also gave them the chance to strive and hope for the better. They chose to trust the process and put more effort into reaching their goals, and provided them the opportunity too, to understand that reaching their goals are only a part of continuous learning, growth, and excellence; not necessarily an end result.

Keep Trying.

How many times have you failed at school or landed a job? How many times have you been rejected by someone? How many times have they ignored your accomplishments or achievements? How many times have you been used by people for their own personal gain or advantage? These questions will probably make you wonder and cry because you just realize now how many times you have tried to pick yourself up and keep going. You have to acknowledge the fact that you cannot always stay positive and just get rid of negativity.

Just like the concept of “the backwards law”, terms used by Alan Watts, a British philosopher and writer, which mean that the more you pursue feeling better all the time, the less satisfied you become, as pursuing something only reinforces the fact that you lack it in the first place [13]. This idea was further explained by Mark Mason, a New York Times Bestselling Author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope, if pursuing the positive is a negative, then pursuing the negative generates the positive [13]. 

The pain you pursue in the gym results in better all-around health and energy [13]. The failures in business are what lead to a better understanding of what’s necessary to be successful [13]. Being open with your insecurities paradoxically makes you more confident and charismatic around others [13]. The pain of honest confrontation is what generates the greatest trust and respect in your relationships [13]. Suffering through your fears and anxieties is what allows you to build courage and perseverance [13].

Be a little bit gentler with yourself. It is okay if you cannot fully share your heart with the world, and cannot easily put on a brave and happy face all the time. There will still be days that life can be really tiring and oh-so draining, but you do not have to be any certain way for you to be loved. For now, forgive yourself. Keep that even the smallest hope you have. Keep trying.

Guide Questions

1.   How can mental health affect daily living, relationships, and other aspects of health?

1. What are your greatest and/or worst Mental Health moments this 2021? (addressing the first topic)
2. Which mental health issue was most important to you in 2021?
3. How would you like Mental Health to be perceived next year/moving forward? (third topic)

References:

[1] Tee, M. L., Tee, C. A., Anlacan, J. P., Aligam, K. J. G., Reyes, P. W. C., Kuruchittham, V., & Ho, R. C. (2020). Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Journal of Affective Disorders, 277, 379–391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.08.043

[2] Shaikh, A., Peprah, E., Mohamed, R. H., Asghar, A., Andharia, N. V., Lajot, N. A., & Qureshi, M. F. H. (2021). COVID-19 and mental health: A multi-country study—the effects of lockdown on the mental health of young adults. Middle East Current Psychiatry, 28(1), 51. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-021-00116-6

[3] Pietrangelo, A. (2020). Self destructive behavior: What it is & why we do it. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/self-destructive-behavior

[4] Lago, A. (2021). Study paints grim picture of some Filipino employees’ state of mental health. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/health-and-wellness/filipino-employees-risk-suicide-mindnation-suicidal-ideation-study/

[5] MentalHealthPH. (2021). Creating Hope ASIA. https://mentalhealthph.org/9-10/

[6] Gunasegaran, T. (2021). Telemedicine provider reports high teleconsultation uptake in the Philippines. Healthcare IT News. https://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/asia/telemedicine-provider-reports-high-teleconsultation-uptake-philippines

[7] Bautista, J. (2021). DepEd launches mental health helpline for students, teachers. INQUIRER.Net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1521089/deped-launches-mental-health-helpline-for-students-teachers

[8] MentalHealthPH. (2021). Pandemic Futures. https://mentalhealthph.org/08-20/

[9] Greenwood, K., & Anas, J. (2021). It’s a new era for mental health at work. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/10/its-a-new-era-for-mental-health-at-work

[10] deBara, D. (2021). Why you should make mental health a priority in the workplace in 2021. https://www.hourly.io/post/mental-health-in-the-workplace

[11] Ibañez, J. (2021). Mental health problems weighing on PHL workforce, study finds. BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/mental-health-problems-weighing-on-phl-workforce-study-finds/

[12] Baluyot, J. (2021). What the present and future hold for businesses and their people. https://ph.news.yahoo.com/what-the-present-and-future-hold-for-businesses-and-their-people-philippines-025646629.html

[13] Manson, M. (2016). The feedback loop from hell. https://markmanson.net/feedback-loop-from-hell

The post Mental Health and Year 2021 first appeared on MentalHealthPH.

The post Mental Health and Year 2021 appeared first on MentalHealthPH.

Writers: Sci Torres & Maria Emcel Mesa
Peer Reviewer: Azie Libanan
Editor: Alvin Joseph Mapoy
Researchers: Sci Torres, Maria Emcel Mesa, Azie Libanan
Creatives: Jacklyn Moral, Klein Xavier Boiser, Krystle Mae Labio
Moderators: Tobey Fhar Isaac Calayo, DG Ramos, Marc John Paul Agbuya, CJ Salvacruz
Spaces: Alvin Joseph Mapoy,  Richardson Mojica, Azie Libanan, and the rest of the #UsapTayo Volunteers

Human beings are social creatures. We are wired, first to connect. Neurobiologically speaking, we all carry `mirror neurons’ that allow us to absorb and leak different emotions from and to each other as often as we breathe.

Neuroscientist Giacomo Rizzolatti, MD of the University of Parma first identified mirror neurons. Together with his university colleagues, he found that these neurons help explain how and why we “read” other people’s minds and feel empathy for them. Another psychologist, V.S. Ramachandran, PH.D. has called the discovery of mirror neurons one of the single most important unpublicized stories of the decade. (Winerman, 2005)

While many things are yet arguable and subject to further studies when it comes to our anatomy and chemistry, the human brain, for instance – its intricacy, mechanism, and its endless evolution, it is safe to say that a huge part of being social species is relying on cooperation, adaptation, and working towards a degree of harmony with one another in order to survive and to thrive. 

However, this isn’t the age of awakening to that universal truth. Khan Academy published a study about Homo sapiens and early human migration. The findings were truly astounding as they gave us a glimpse into the early development of human interaction with nature and his species. As attested by the study, “Homo sapiens, the first modern humans, evolved from their early predecessors between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago. They developed a capacity for language about 50, 000 years ago. The development of language allowed people to make plans, solve problems, and organize effectively. We can’t be sure of the exact reasons humans first migrated off the African continent. It was likely correlated with a depletion of resources (like food) in their regions and competition for those resources. Once they were able to communicate these concerns and make plans, they could assess together whether the pressures in their current homes outweighed the risk of leaving to find a new one.”

Every generation continuously echoes the poet John Donne’s “No man is an island.” In the context of being, this couldn’t be more agreeable. But it’s necessary to point out also that the environment where we perform and achieve those aforementioned acts is a ubiquitous factor in the level of how much we do them – a prerequisite and in itself a determining variable. They are complex, integral, and interrelated costs of what and how much it takes to be social creatures. 

Most of the environments where we expose ourselves every day are workplaces and schools. Now, understanding the human ability to function properly and find association and connection in these places requires also going through individual assessment of their capacity for safety. It is vital and primal – a basic human instinct. It is always that shared inclination towards our innate need to be safe and to feel safe. However, because many pressing tasks and thoughts can happen in a day and we can only accumulate too much of them, “safe spaces”, as how it is generally known today, often is being reduced into a shrug of the shoulders. For most people it becomes something that is tossed aside for some afterthought in these precarious times instead of it being amongst our top tier exigencies. 

Research shows a scarcity of safe spaces in schools and workplaces. A recent study conducted by Youth Truth Survey Organisation finds “just over half of the students feel safe at school.” The data shows that “59% feel safe at school in general, 66% feel safe in their classes, 54% feel safe in their hallways, bathrooms, and locker rooms, while 55% feel safe in school property outside the school building.” In another 2020 report commissioned by Honeywell International Incorporation and conducted by Wakefield Research, results state that “68% of workers globally do not feel completely safe working in their employer’s building.”

These data could not be more alarming. According to the Journal of Adolescent Health by Carolyn Côté-Lussier of the University of Ottawa and Caroline Fitzpatrick, a researcher affiliated with Concordia’s PERFORM Centre for Preventive Health,”highschoolers who feel less safe at school have decreased learning potential and more emotional problems.”

Findings like these show how features of these physical environments alone play a significant role in a student or an employee’s day-to-day engagement and performance. It remains poignant – each one deserves a safe space as much as each one needs it. It’s especially important for minorities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and other marginalized groups. In a 2019 Healthline article by Megan Yee, she talked of a 2015 fall incident where “a series of student protests over racial tension erupted at the University of Missouri over safe spaces and their impact on freedom of the press.” A noteworthy line in her article says that “safe spaces can provide a break from judgment, unsolicited opinions, and having to explain yourself. It also allows people to feel supported and respected.” Another study states that “due to increased levels of stigma, discrimination and victimization, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning or Intersex (LGBTQI+) youth face particular challenges in society.” (Wilson & Cariola, 2020)

Safe Spaces, An In-Depth Look At the Phrase

Oxford Dictionary defined safe space as “a place or environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm.” 

The origins of the term “safe space” have diverse attributions. One of the original concepts can be traced back to the German-American psychologist, Kurt Lewin who founded a social psychology and management theory in the work setting. The objective was “for groups of employees and managers to speak honestly about working conditions and productivity goals without fear of retaliation or retribution” (Quy, 2020). His work invented the “sensitivity training” which is a form of group discussion. “Staff could give honest feedback to each other to allow people to become aware of their assumptions, implicit biases, and behavior that were holding them back as effective leaders.” (Cayton, 2016)

A 2001 book Mapping Gay L.A. by Moira Kenney speaks of the term “safe spaces” used in the mid-1960s when it described gay and lesbian bars as places where allied people movements were able to gather free from attack – a liberation avenue. In the succeeding years, the term was adopted about women gathering together and occupying space in a “communal and safe way”. 

A study conducted by Flensner & der Lippe (2019) suggests the same findings that the concept of safe space originated from the 1970s women’s and LGBT movement, where these people gathered in an environment they considered secure to meet and discuss. One of the historical backgrounds of safe space also indicates that it aims to protect marginalized people from discrimination and offer them that safe space.

By the early 1980s, the term had reached educational institutions. It was used heavily, specifically by students who embodied certain traits (e.g., female students, members of the LGBTQIA community, ethnic minorities, and marginalized groups). 

Author and painter Anthony Fry published his book How To Survive In A Threatening World which called for “safe spaces” in broader and social organizations. His advice was simple but necessary, “Be responsible for your own actions and safety and the safety of those around you.”

Malcolm Harris described the term as “a place where people could find practical resistance to political and social repression.”

As time passed by, “safe spaces” became widely popularised and used as various movements and advocacies strived to make themselves heard and seen in the context of social and racial justice and just basic human rights.

Today, signages, posters, stickers, and placards hold the phrase “safe spaces” in places that provide a welcoming zone to all. But the cases’ reports should not be dismissed. Mental health crises rising on both school campuses and work settings because of lack of safe spaces. This proves time and again our relentless strife to achieve and promote avenues free from any form of harm even amid times when it may feel like we’re fighting a zero-sum ideological war. The irony is that this is a modern age when we’re free from many restraints and constrictions of the past. We’ve come a long way in the sense of revolutionary and active social movements, but not quite. Safe spaces can mean different things now, but the bottom is absolutely certain – we still make unimaginable efforts and put up sacrifices to be heard and seen, to be accepted and respected, to be celebrated and loved just for being.

Then it is crucial to consider asking these loaded questions, “How far can these signages, posters, stickers, etc. fortify a fortress that would ensure a safe space for all?”, “Are they honestly enough?”, “How safe are these “safe spaces”?”

Safe Space Is A Hierarchy Need, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

In his 1943 paper “A Theory of Human Motivation,” American psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed the now well-known concept of hierarchy of needs. His theory is illustrated in the form of a pyramid. This theory explains that those in the bottom part of the pyramid are the basic needs, while the upper part shows the complex needs. If the person achieves the lower levels, they can progress to the next one (Cherry, 2021). 

Security and Safety Needs. The second to the lower part of the pyramid is the Security and Safety Needs. Cherry (2021) listed examples:

• financial security – employment can be a form of security and safety needs as it provides the source of basic needs such as food and shelter. 
• emotional security – the feeling of safety, confidence, and freedom from apprehension (APA Dictionary of Psychology)
• social stability – German & Latkin (2012) referred to social stability as the “range of life structure and reliable routine that is protective against further situational hazards and helps maintain connections with social resources and societal expectation.”
• health and wellness – safety against accidents or injury, it can also include emotional health or wellbeing
• freedom from fear – the individual can feel safe and secured because of the laws implemented, or it can be in a way that the individual can live in a safer neighborhood.

We can see that Maslow’s Theory implies the safe space concept through the second level of the pyramid. Although security and safety are placed in the second level, it still needs systemic support in order to reach the following levels up to self-actualization. 

Safe Space in the Philippines: At School and Work

According to Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (Saligan) lawyer JC Tejano, the term “safe space” was used to refer to private property. However, when the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act or RA 7877 of 1995 came out, “safe space” meant to include work, educational, and training facilities (Abad, 2019).

One of the safe spaces is school. As schools are diverse, there should be freedom and equality for each student, teachers, non academic personnel, and parents. Flensner & der Lippe (2019) discussed safe space in educational settings:

• Students can speak openly without being scared of their classmates or teachers – students and teachers are independent individuals. They have different perspectives on anything and they have the right to voice out an opinion without receiving hate or being scared.
• Fairness from both teachers and students, where all kinds of viewpoints and positions are involved and being discussed – there could be someone who is right or wrong, but all sides must be heard and discussed. This will not only promote fairness but also inclusion because everyone is involved.

To promote safe space in schools here in the Philippines, the Department of Education implemented the “DepEd Child Protection Policy” in 2012, which aims to protect the children from private and public schools from abuse, violence, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, and other forms of abuse. 

Moreover, safe spaces at work should be promulgated. Forbes Coaches Council (2017) recommended 15 ways on how an organization can create a safe space in the workplace:

• Promote dialogue – your background and perspective differences with your colleagues should be discuss freely or engage in a healthy debate with them instead of being silent about it. 
• Build trust – according to Stephen M. R. Covey in The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything, the foundation of trust includes character, competence and communications.
• Don’t be afraid of uncomfortable discussions – avoiding conflicts is not equal to solving problems. We have to learn how to converse in these uncomfortable issues without being afraid of being ashamed or punished.
• Foster a gratitude practice – being grateful or practicing gratitude can positively impact our emotional, psychological, and physical attributes.
• Promote diversity and inclusion programming – organizations are encouraged to be initiative or proactive in promoting diversity and inclusivity.
• Go back to basics – uplift empathy in the workplace. Take time to reach out to your colleagues and show them that you care for them.
• Focus on freedom and individuality – everyone has the right to express themselves freely without being excluded or discriminated.
• Invest in leadership – Brad Federman of F&H Solutions Group suggested hiring people with good leadership skills – those who can listen and understand people.
• Focus on your mission – concentrate on your organization’s mission or purpose. It is crucial to make everyone feel and experience inclusivity and security in their workplace.
• Take a stand for the better – if your people are inharmonious, then it might create conflicts. Always aim for the better and that everyone deserves to prosper.
• Establish emotional connection – creating good relationships makes people feel appreciated, valued, and included.
• Start at the top – problems in the workplace should be resolved to avoid more troubles, thus, employers and employees have to eliminate its root cause.
• Build resilience skills – employers can teach their employees to be resilient. Being resilient, you can bounce back from your hurdles.
• Listen to the organization’s humanity – employers and employees are the backbones of a workplace. Both sides should listen, understand, and communicate with each other.
• Give them a safe place to talk – creating a safe space to talk can help the employers and employees to develop connections within the workplace or resolve issues that arise

More Than Just Words, Safe Spaces Now Transformed Into A Law

In 2019, the Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act No. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act or the “Bawal Bastos Act” in response to the gaps in security in both public and private settings.

The “Bawal Bastos Law” or Safe Spaces Act protects Filipinos from physical or online sexual harassment (Abad, 2019). This law recognizes that every man and woman in the country have the right to equality, security, and safety in online platforms and public spaces, including schools, workplace, or even in the streets (Philippine Commission on Women 2021).

Non-government organizations also make sure that safe spaces are promoted in the community-level. Save the Children Philippines encourages private and public schools to make a move about the complaints of sexual harassment and other forms of abuse and violence such as exploitation, discrimination, and bullying, which were reportedly done by school staff (UN OCHA, 2020).

There are various organizations in the Philippines that aim to promote awareness and build safe spaces for women. Usapan session, a behavior change approach that helps midwives demand reproductive health or family planning products and tackle the unmet needs for modern contraceptives. This project allows women to care for their maternal health. Another one is Bicolana Gabriela, which helps women who experienced and survived violence through psychological help or counseling (Biton, 2020).

And of course, #UsapTayo campaign by #MentalHealthPH. An online campaign or regular tweetchat happens every zero of the month (10, 20, 30) because we aim to to ZERO the suicide cases and stigma against mental health. #UsapTayo  is your safe space in Twitter Spaces!

Inclusivity and Safe Spaces

Everybody wants to be seen and heard. In an often harsh world, having a safe space to go to, to let our guard down and to truly unabashedly be ourselves is important. We can create a safe space for others in our little ways, be it in school or work settings. We are capable of that, and one way is by promoting inclusivity. 

Booth, Ainscow, & Kingston (2006) mentioned that inclusion means reducing all forms of exclusion. We should not put barriers from anyone despite our differences. These similarities and differences are all recognized and valued. We focus on the wholeness of that person and not just one aspect of their life. This simple act may seem like an attempt on a mission of fixing the world. Sometimes we tend to look at its effect as a drop on the vastness of the ocean of what’s needed and required. The ripples create profound, and most times than not, a lasting impact in the lives of others. 

Today as often as we exist in our school campuses or workplaces and feel a sense of inclusion and respect that enables us to learn and grow, the more it makes us aware of the importance of “safe spaces.” Simple things like “How are you today?” or “What do you need now at this moment?” We all crave to be asked these intentional and sincere questions. We must be free to just be but we must also accept from different sides and make sure that the very same needs of others are considered. It’s a form of  understanding one another better- it is sharing and living the very essence of us humans. And when people do that, that’s when our shared humanity shines best – a shared humanity under the disguise of accumulating things in this world. And really, is that not life?

There are many ways to hold time and space for these intimately healthy dialogues that leave no one behind and above all, we feel that we are part of something bigger.

Today, may we be one of them. 

Questions

Pre-session: Why are safe spaces important?

1. What comes into your mind when you think of a safe space?
2. How do we create safe spaces in our circles?
3. How can policies and institutions help create and safeguard safe spaces?

References

Oxford Dictionary. (n.d). Retrieved November 17, 2021, from https://www.lexico.com/definition/safe_space

Abad, M. (2019). Fast Facts: How does the Safe Spaces Act protect you? Rappler. Retrieved November 17, 2011, from https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/things-to-know-about-safe-spaces-act

Forbes Coaches Council. (November 2, 2017). 15 Ways Your Organization Can Create A Safe Space In A Divisive World. Retrieved November 18, 2021 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/11/02/15-ways-your-organization-can-create-a-safe-space-in-a-divisive-world/?sh=7e426d18fcab

Karin K. Flensner & Marie Von der Lippe. (2019). Being safe from what and safe for whom? A critical discussion of the conceptual metaphor of ‘safe space’, Intercultural Education, 30:3, 275-288, DOI: 10.1080/14675986.2019.1540102

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (June 29, 2020). Schools must protect children, youth from sexual abuse and violence – Save the Children Philippines. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/schools-must-protect-children-youth-sexual-abuse-and-violence-save-children

Department of Education. (2012). DepEd Child Protection Policy. Retrieved November 18, 2021 from https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DO_s2012_40.pdf

Philippine Commission on Women. (October 30, 2021). Republic Act 11313: Safe Spaces Act. Retrieved November 19, 2021 from https://pcw.gov.ph/republic-act-11313/

Cherry, K. (2021). The 5 Levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Verywell Mind.

Retrieved November 19, 2021 from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760

German, D. & Latkin, C. (2012). Social Stability and Health: Exploring Multidimensional Social Disadvantage. Retrieved November 19, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3284598/#:~:text=Measured%20on%20an%20individual%20level,social%20resources%20and%20societal%20expectations.

American Psychological Association. (n.d.) Retrieved November 19, 2021 from https://dictionary.apa.org/emotional-security

Sarah Jane Arcos Biton (2020) Advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights: An overview of the best practices in the Philippines, Asian Journal of Women’s Studies, 26:1,114-127, DOI: 10.1080/12259276.2019.1690778

Booth, T, Ainscow, M and Kingston, D (2006) Index for Inclusion: developing play, learning and participation in early years and childcare.

Lea Winerman. (2005). The mind’s mirror. Retrieved November 29, 2021 from https://www.apa.org/monitor/oct05/mirror

Khan Academy, Homo sapiens and early human migration. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/world-history-beginnings/origin-humans-early-societies/a/where-did-humans-come-from

Youth Truth Survey. Spotlight on: School Safety. Retrieved November 29, 2021 from https://youthtruthsurvey.org/spotlight-on-school-safety/

Wakefield Research & Honeywell. (January 13, 2021). https://www.honeywell.com/us/en/press

Carolyn Côté-Lussier & Caroline Fitzpatrick. (2016) Feelings of Safety at School, Socioemotional Functioning and Classroom Engagement. Retrieved November 29, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Megan Yee. (2019) Why “Safe Spaces” Are Important for Mental Health – Especially on College Campuses. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/safe-spaces-college#1

Claire Wilson & Laura A. Cariola (2020) Adolescent Research Review, LGBTQIA+ Youth and Mental Health : A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40894-019-00118-w#citeas

Frank Sonnenberg. (2020) How to have the courage to move into a brave place. Retrieved November 29, 2021 from https://www.franksonnenbergonline.com/blog/how-to-have-the-courage-to-move-into-a-brave-place/ 

Moira Kenney. (2001) Mapping Gay L. A. : The Intersection of Place and Politics 

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Seeking help does not mean you are weak. Asking for help is a sign of strength, confidence, and resourcefulness (Shift Workspaces, 2019). As advocates of mental health, #UsapTayo has continuously spread the message that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but strength. 

Asking for help and seeking support should be normalized. However, barriers are present to amplify this message. Public opinion and stigma play a role in influencing someone to accept mental health support in society (Vogel, Wade, & Hackler, 2007).

In the Philippines, psychosocial barriers, including lack of social support from family and friends, perceived severity of mental illness, and awareness of mental health issues, act as barriers for formal help-seeking behaviors. Socio-cultural and systemic barriers such as social norms and financial status further amplify proper help-seeking behaviors (Martinez, 2020). 

With all these factors, how can we recognize the importance of support? Seeking help and building psychosocial support builds resources for individuals to cope with adversity (OVC Support, 2016). It affects both the welfare of the person seeking and providing support. As individuals, we continuously look after the welfare of our loved ones. But is it enough? 

In our circles, how do we promote seeking help? How essential are support systems? This October 30 at 7 pm on the #MentalHealthPH tweet chat and Twitter spaces, let’s talk about it more. Tara #UsapTayo Lite lang with your usual #Usapkada!

Suggested Questions:

1. How do we encourage seeking help? What is the importance of support systems?
2. What are the forms of help? 
3. How do we make help accessible? How else do we institutionalize help?

The post Okay lang Humingi ng tulong: Recognizing the importance of support first appeared on MentalHealthPH.

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