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OLFU breaks barriers through National Conference on Integrated Mental Health
OLFU breaks barriers through National Conference on Integrated Mental Health

By: Vicente Santos

10/25/2019

By: Vicente Santos

10/25/2019

In recognition of society’s increasing need for mental health awareness, Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) hosted the National Conference on Integrated Mental Health themed “Breaking Barriers to Promote Help-seeking Behaviors” on 25 October 2019 at the Assembly Hall of the RISE Tower, Valenzuela Campus.

Topics such as the importance of mental health, life with mental health conditions and overcoming the stigma, as well as self-care, and psychological first aid, were highlighted in the series of discussions led by notable resource speakers in the field.

Formally welcoming the delegates was University President, Dr. Caroline Marian S. Enriquez. As she expressed her thanks, she also encouraged active participation in the discussions and openness to understanding such “timely” and “alarming” issues. “You are crucial because you belong to the enabled group; you have the capacity to help,” she urged. “Take note of what we can do as a student, as a friend, as a family member, and learn from this conference so we bring onto the table whatever assistance we can give.” Dr. Enriquez then closed her speech with an impact with empowering words: “Let us continue being and bringing the sunshine to others. Let us lift the clouds of depression, of anxiety and of stress from the people around us, and give a helping hand.”

Olfu Mental Health Conference (3)

Headlining the roster of resource speakers was Dr. Susan Mercado, Special Envoy of the President for Global Health Initiatives, Republic of the Philippines. In her Keynote Address entitled “The Silent Emergency: Mental Health in the Philippines”, Dr. Mercado explored the current state of Philippine modern society, where everything is very fast-paced. Citing that its people are “living under constant stress” and expectations have become “very, very high”, she tackled the ability to cope with the demands of daily life, which directly affects mental health.

Dr. Mercado likewise elaborated on the definition and promotion of mental health. According to her, it is just not about “treating the mentally ill”; rather, “it’s about creating environments that promote mental well-being.” Having said that, she gave helpful tips for better mental health. “Just because you look very healthy and you don’t have any ‘illness’ doesn’t mean you are really healthy because you could be carrying with you a psychological or a mental health concern that nobody knows about, and that could really compromise everything that you do, your dreams, your goals or what you want to do in life,” she said.

Next speaker to take the stage was Argel Masanda, Assistant Professor IV and Registered Guidance Counselor at the Central Luzon State University, who gave an overview of mental health awareness by discussing relevant data and common mental health conditions. In sharing strategies to promote mental health and wellness, he reiterated the value of self-care, which is necessary for one to be able to help others. “Taking care of yourself is not selfishness; you cannot give what you do not have,” he said.

The next speaker, Dr. Ron Resurreccion of De La Salle University, then gave a more in-depth discussion on self-care, particularly for Psychology practitioners, an important and timely topic for the Conference’s audience which was composed of professionals, educators, and Psychology students.

Olfu Mental Health Conference (1)

Later, the participants were given an opportunity to understand mental health issues from a different point of view through an inspiring message by Marl Reston, who is a strong testament of hope amidst mental health conditions. As he shared his story of overcoming his life’s ordeals, he also recognized the people, support groups, and initiatives that enable him to fight victoriously day by day.

Setting the perspective further, Dr. Niclie Tiratira of the University of Rizal followed with her talk on “Overcoming Stigma on Mental Health”, encouraging a more open approach towards mental health issues and discussions in society.

Lastly, summing up the thought-provoking Conference was Agnes Agbayani, Executive Director of Life Change Recovery Center, with her talk on Psychological First Aid (PFA). After giving an overview, she likewise brought up the practice of PFA in the school setting. Towards the end, she motivated the audience with striking words: “It takes one person to make a difference in one’s life; be that person.”

Officially closing the program was the Conference Champion and Campus Administrator of the Quezon City Campus, Dr. Ramonita Salazar, who gave her words of thanks. “It has been a very significant, meaningful and intellectually stimulating day for all of us,” she said. Dr. Salazar also conveyed her expectation that the participants would make use of their learnings in forging a bigger, stronger platform for mental health awareness. “With high hopes, may the National Conference on Integrated Mental Health make us all instrumental in breaking the barriers to promote mental health awareness and help-seeking behaviors,” she averred.