Author: Monica Concepcion

PR Associate

How To Be An Ally to THE LGBTQIA+ Community

Post author By Monica Concepcion
Post date 30 June 2022

With the Philippines being recognized as one of the most gay-friendly nations in the world (https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/06/25/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists/), it is an encouraging sign that Filipinos are breaking the long-held stigmas against the community. There is hope that we can continue to become the beacon of change for LGBTQIA+ communities, setting the example for more Asian nations into wider acceptance of the community.

Last weekend, Mind You participated in the Alab For Love: Pride PH Festival at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. Which brought together members of the community and allies alike. The organizers shared an inspiring message on their social media account: “Natapos man ang pagdiriwang kagabi ngunit patuloy pa rin ang pag-ALAB! PRIDE is not just a day or a month. PRIDE is a daily protest. PRIDE is a daily reminder that we exist… that we have rights to be protected. Patuloy na pag-ALABin ang PRIDE sa ating mga puso at nawa’y maipasa natin ito sa iba”.

As Pride Month comes to a close, it poses us with the challenge of how to continue creating safe spaces and an inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community. We sat down with Mind You’s Senior Psychologist Rea Celine Villa and Mind You Psychologist Ronald Recio to ask questions about how we can become better allies.

As a psychologist, what are the common mental health struggles that the LGBTQIA+ community face?

How do the LGBTQIA+ community’s mental health struggles differ from others?

How do these mental health conditions affect the LGBTQIA+ community?

Ron

Generally, it’s the same as with the majority. The main issue for them is the accessibility of meeting a mental health specialist and, by extension, the fear that if they do meet a mental health specialist, they would not suffer the same prejudice of not being accepted for their alternative life decisions. Also, because of the relatively new introduction of research into their unique issues, training issues come into mind as these topics have not been tackled mostly by professionals in the Philippine setting.

What are the common triggers that can affect the mental health of an LGBTQIA+ member?

For those in the LGBTQIA+ community going through mental health struggles, what piece of advice can you give to them?

When an LGBTQIA+ member does a counseling session with you, how do you go about it?

How can we be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community in our own little way?

Ron

The key to being an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community is first educating yourself and start with an understanding about Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE). You can learn more about the SOGIE Equality Bill we have here in the Philippines under House Bill No. 4982. It recognizes the fundamental right of every people, regardless of sex, age, class, status, ethnicity, color, disability, religious and political beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender identity, to be free from any form of discrimination. Read about general definitions and what terminologies to use correctly.

Rea Celine Villa, Mind You Senior Psychologist

Rea

Once you are educated about LGBTQIA+ individuals, step in and educate others. Respond when you hear others using non-inclusive language, making derogatory jokes, using incorrect assumptions/stereotypes, voicing misinformation, etc. Tell them why you think their comment was inappropriate and how they can improve it. In addition, the society can be an ally to the community by helping further their cause by educating people who have differing opinions and by allowing those in the LGBTQIA+ community to safely express themselves as who they are. In conclusion, look beyond gender and look into the human being in front of you for who he/she is as opposed to the type of clothing or manner in how he/she would like to be addressed. It’s high time that we look beyond the dichotomy of gender and understand that it is fluid.

Mind You is committed to creating safe spaces for all Filipinos. To learn more about Mind You’s services, visit www.mindyou.com.ph. You can also follow them on social media @mindyoumhs.

Business & Mental Health

Balancing Work & Mental Health: Global Day of Parents

Post author By Monica Concepcion
Post date 31 May 2022

A Salute to Parents on Global Parents Day

Global Parents Day, celebrated every June 1, can be celebrated by almost everyone: it is a way we can pay tribute to the parents or parent-figures in our lives, but it is also an opportunity for parents themselves to celebrate their commitment to raise the next generation.
In addition, being a parent in the 21st century has imposed a different set of hurdles: the rise of globalization has given accessibility to a wide array of information showcasing expectations of what a parent should be, which at times can be overwhelming to some parents.

For this occasion, then, we found it opportune to discuss parenting and all its wonders and challenges in this day and age with members of the Mind You team: namely, our Development Training Facilitator, Frannie Daez, professional coach and shareholder, Arturo Rocha and Ruby Santillan, one of our psychologists.

1. What are the common difficulties and challenges that working parents go through?

Difficulties and challenges can be subjective. What may be easy as pie for one person may be an insurmountable mountain to climb for another. There are a million answers to this question. So now that you get the picture, I’ll talk about my own challenges. I am a mother of 8 with an age range of 8 to 29. I’m a homeschooling mom and a mom of a child with special needs. I have two grandchildren who get a lot of airtime with Lola, with 3 to 5 day weekly visits. I have no house help but still make sure that their tummies are well fed and their needs are taken care of. I am their mommy, their teacher, their nurse, their psychologist, their cheerleader, their mentor and consultant (to my working kids), I am their cook, their driver, their hug provider and many more. One of my biggest challenges is making the right decisions - to home school or not, to say yes or no to a child asking to go on a night out with friends, to allow them to play video games and how long they can do this for. Decisions about the children, decisions about family dynamics, decisions about myself - whether to go on a trip without the kids or to go back to the workplace. Daily decisions, big decisions, decisions that if wrongly made might scar them for life. This becomes a challenge when we want what’s best for our families. Then once we make a decision, we need to plan and follow-through on them.

Frannie Daez, Development Training Facilitator

The pandemic brings us different challenges not common to what we are used to. For instance, during pre-pandemic times, when we got home, there was already a separation of our jobs with our family. We had our time to spend dinner or watch television with our loved ones, and also a little me time. But when the pandemic came in, everything changed. We are physically present but cannot attend to our kids’ needs. The separation of work and family time can no longer be distinguished.

Ruby Santillan, Mind You Psychologist

Being a father is synonymous with being responsible for the family and this can create a lot of stress and anxiety. As a working dad, I am constantly looking for ways to improve my family fortunes. Time is a huge hurdle because you need time away in order to be able to provide for them. Another challenge is being present with the family, especially when the mind and body are exhausted from work, and we have to push through that illusion.

Arturo Rocha, Professional Coach and Shareholder

2. What do you think are the symptoms of burnout for working parents?

I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt burnt out. Of course there were times when I was unhappy, scared, frustrated, and pissed. There were times when I wanted to give up and just leave. But those were momentary thoughts. So, I’m not really sure if I was burnt out then or if they were situational and just an effect of what I had experienced at the time.

Frannie Daez, Development Training Facilitator

Being burned out may vary depending on the kind of personality that we have. But, what is common are the overwhelming feelings of responsibilities, demotivation, irritability and sometimes being socially detached.

Ruby Santillan, Mind You Psychologist

Some of the symptoms include physical tiredness, the loss of open communication, and anger being projected in every situation.

Arturo Rocha, Professional Coach and Shareholder

3. Why are setting limitations important for parents too? How does one go about it?

Personally, I would call it prioritizing, instead of setting limitations. An awareness of our realities, our current situations, and the demands of our environment are key to my staying sane. But what really helped me a lot is knowing my purpose, my “why” and my vision for myself. Once this became clear to me, everything else followed. It was easier for me to make decisions, easier for me to commit to things that mattered most and easier for me to say “no” to things that didn’t contribute to my vision and purpose.

Frannie Daez, Development Training Facilitator

Drawing a line on when to stop and when to say no is important for parents. Determining and sorting out your tasks with a specific timeframe would also be of great help. Creating a daily checklist of your priorities chronologically will help paint a picture on how much time you’ll be spending on what, within a particular day. Allotting “peace time” is another important thing.

Ruby Santillan, Mind You Psychologist

Time is such an important commodity, and it is important for parents to set limitations when it comes to work time and family time. Things such as dinner time and weekends should be kept reserved for the family, in as much as it is possible. It’s also important to make your children feel important and be there for their milestones.

Arturo Rocha, Professional Coach and Shareholder

4. How can parents create a healthy work-life balance?

First of all, it’s important to be able to craft our mission and vision. This helps us define our priorities and create balance. When we know that what we have chosen to do contributes to our mission, we become energized and happy doing the things we do.

Frannie Daez, Development Training Facilitator

Being reflective or having an awareness of how you spend your entire day will help you to evaluate if you're lacking in one or another. This will guide you to determine if you need to improve or change your actions to be able to get back on track or to maintain a healthy work-life balance. There’s no perfect formula on how to maintain work life balance but setting limitations or boundaries for everything that you are doing and for everyone you are dealing with is a great start. Staying aware of your day-to-day activities and your emotion towards it helps equip you to stay on track and evaluate your actions.

Ruby Santillan, Mind You Psychologist

This can be done by communicating the best structure to meeting commitments with clarity and intention. Maintaining equilibrium is key, and this can be supported by sharing wins at the dinner table or having regular family outings without allowing work to get in the way.

Arturo Rocha, Professional Coach and Shareholder

5. What practices can parents keep in mind in order to overcome stressful situations?

For me, pausing and getting my bearings help. I pause, I breathe, and try to become aware of my feelings and the reasons I am feeling them. Then, I take it to a more cerebral level and process things. If I can’t find the answers myself, I talk to my husband, a sibling, or a close friend. If that’s not possible, like I’m getting anxious in the middle of the night and everyone’s asleep, I write a letter to myself and then give myself a reply - that’s one of the ways I process my feelings and help myself get back to sleep.

Frannie Daez, Development Training Facilitator

Allow yourself to acknowledge that you are experiencing those stressful situations. Feel the emotions with it. If you want to cry, cry. If you want to scream, scream (in a safe place or in a pillow). Limit your lingering thoughts and identify positive coping strategies that could neutralize it. Coping ways could be relaxing music, your favorite food, doing some art, writing, walking/ biking, or anything else that could help you feel better.

Ruby Santillan, Mind You Psychologist

For me, it’s always important to reframe workload as a contributor to our family’s overall wellbeing. After going home from a stressful day at work, it helps to be present with your family at the dinner table and let your stress be alleviated by something much bigger like love and purpose.

Arturo Rocha, Professional Coach and Shareholder

6. What are some mindful practices that parents can do as they wear different hats in life?

I can never discount the value of having a mission and vision. Another thing I would recommend is listing down our roles in order of importance.Next is setting goals for each of my roles.Putting these all in a visual format makes it clearer and easier for me to keep track of them.Hence, I can arrange my day and put tasks that will help me achieve that balance.

Frannie Daez, Development Training Facilitator

The idea of mindfulness is very simple yet very helpful. Mindfulness is being in the present moment and focusing in that present moment without judging. Simply being mindful of everything that we are doing is a therapy itself. Identifying your goals and reflecting on your actions will help you to work towards your plans.

Ruby Santillan, Mind You Psychologist

It’s important to get in some ‘me time’ as well, be it going for a run or playing a video game with the kids, which can also fall under ‘me time’ category. Meditation is also a great tool to de-stress. Also, having monthly non-negotiable check-ins with the wife to discuss how we feel and what the future of our family looks like is important too.

Arturo Rocha, Professional Coach and Shareholder

To learn more about mental health and how they relate to special occasions such as this, follow Mind You’s social media pages @mindyoumhs and visit their website www.mindyou.com.ph.

If you are a parent and your company is partnered with Mind You, remember that you can register for an account and book a session here.

Lifestyle

A Day of Silence: From the Perspective of an LGBTQIA+ member

Post author By Monica Concepcion
Post date 8 April 2022

Cropped shot of a group of friends holding hands

The acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community has been growing globally. In a survey conducted in 2013, the Philippines was shown to be the “most friendly country towards the gay community, as compared to other Southeast Asia countries. Case in point, 73% of adult Filipinos were in agreement that homosexuality should be accepted in society. However, there are still instances where they experience discrimination and violence in different institutions .The lack of LGBTQIA+ education and awareness in the country is one such factor that contributes to why these harmful instances are still prevalent to this day.

In 1996, two students by the name of Maria Pulzetti and Jessie Gilliam at the University of Virginia started the movement of the ‘Day of Silence’ on April 8. Through the years, the number of participants have grown in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ youth who experience discrimination and bullying.

The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the organizatin spearheading this event, holds several “Breaking the Silence” rallies and several events to bring attention to the ways schools and communities can become more inclusive. Over the years, the ‘Day of Silence’ has grown to include workspaces, universities and sporting events to bring further awareness to the changes that would make the LGBTQIA+ feel seen and heard across society.

At Mind You, as a mental healthcare provider it is important that we are able to create a safe space – for both users of our platform, and internally in our work culture as well. We sat down with Josh Cabalquinto, a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a Psychometrician at Mind You to discuss what the ‘Day of Silence’ means to him.

What’s it like to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Philippines?

Josh

It’s much more complicated to live out loud as a gay male than when I was still inside the closet. The largest thing that I consider and put a value on is my safety – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Without it, I would feel less human.
I grew up with a family and school upbringing with a strong religious foundation. These environments had a belief system that says that queer people’s existence is an issue of morality, that they are innately wrong and evil, and that our identities and courses of life are not valid.
I strongly believe that these are one of the biggest roadblocks towards accepting LGBTQ+ individuals – from stigmatizing notions to discriminatory actions against queer people. The Philippines, to some degree, tolerates LGBTQ+ individuals, but that’s not the same as accepting us completely and harmoniously.

What does this Day of Silence mean to you?

Josh

While I haven’t really gotten a chance to participate, learning about this movement quite broadened my awareness of the pro-LGBTQ+ and gender equality movement. On the surface, I initially thought that the movement was antithetical to what we (loud-and-proud) queer people approach our advocacies with. But then, understanding the power of protest in silence adds value to my understanding of gender equality and the struggles towards achieving it. It reminded me of times when my biggest form of resistance to gender-based oppression was to just be around people who do so without ever having to explain myself or speak a word about them. And to show dissent to those who do not want us to have the same rights and privileges in this way surprises them. I imagine this will be powerful, especially against homo- and transphobic groups that have preconceived notions about loud-and-proud advocates. Ultimately, I think this is a valid form of protest. And at the end of the day, we all want to be empathetically listened to.

What is your message to the LGBTQIA+ students who may be struggling?

Josh

Hey there! I know things may be hard for you right now. There may be people who may not treat you with the respect and kindness that you deserve. Trust me, you are not alone. It’s valid to feel sadness, fear, anxiety, or even anger. Yet, what’s also valid is to feel joy, excitement, calmness, and hope. But I will say this: When we have no choice but to live in a world that chooses to invalidate our existence, it may become a challenging pursuit to achieve a life worth living. That does not mean that one cannot achieve something like it. As you go along your journey, you will discover what a life worth living looks like. And a good way to start is to discover yourself first. Find your own safe space – alone and around people who love you. Then, get to know yourself more and more where you feel the safest. Explore who you are, who or what you love, and how you want to express yourself. Eventually, you will discover things that you may or may not like about yourself and that’s okay. What’s important is accepting who you are first. And if you are in the closet – either figuring out how to come out or choosing to stay – that’s okay. No pressure! You are valid and no one should force you to come out when you’re not ready. Just know that either way you are already a brave soul going through what you have. We’re here to support you no matter what. Just reach out whenever and to whoever you can!

What is one action the general public can do to support the LGBTQIA+ community?

Josh

I think the most concrete thing that we can ask the general public to do is to create more and more safe spaces for all gender identities. We may all not have the totally same set of experiences related to our gender and sexuality, but we all share humanity all the same. You can do this simultaneously in two ways: figure out what discriminatory or stigmatizing beliefs you may have about LGBTQ+ people and work your way into changing them, and helping out in minimizing stigma and discrimination around us through education and calling for accountability. It also helps if you express your support by reaching out to at least one queer person in need.

We hope that this encourages you to take part in this celebration today to commemorate the LGBTQIA+ who have suffered in the past, and those who continue to suffer in the present. Let’s stand in solidarity alongside the community to create a better, more inclusive world.

Mind You aims to transform our culture and empower people to take control of their mental health and live more fulfilled lives. We take pride in lifting away the stigma, lowering counseling costs and providing increased access to mental health care for all Filipinos.

Business & Mental Health

#EmpowHER: Getting To Know The Women Psychologists Behind Mind You’s Mission

Post author By Monica Concepcion
Post date 31 March 2022

Studies from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that there is “an approximate ratio of 1 psychologist to 80,000 Filipinos”, which falls far below the recommended ratio. With these numbers, having a profession that is highly undervalued in a country that has a long-held stigma against mental health makes the job even more difficult.
The judgment that is attached to speaking to a psychologist results in two unfavorable outcomes: firstly, the stigma is further exacerbated, and secondly, an individual’s mental health challenges remain unaddressed. When we factor in the effects of the pandemic on one’s mental health, it is of utmost importance that we continue to make proactive efforts to end the stigma and connect people with the right resources.
In honour of National Women’s Month, we sat down with three of our female psychologists to share their personal experiences as psychologists, their outlook on the mental health landscape of the Philippines, and the importance of individuals recognising their mental health wellbeing and needs.

Sarah Jane Macaraeg has been a registered psychologist for 3 years. She graduated with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from University of Santo Tomas. Before joining Mind You, she was a Clinical Psychologist for St. Arnold Center for Integral Development and a program head at La Consolacion College, where she taught various psychology subjects to students. In her spare time she enjoys reading, watching movies and working out.

Ivana Kyra M. Maron is a human rights advocate who graduated with a masteral degree at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. As a practicing psychologist she spends her time in various clinics and teaches at multiple universities like San Beda College, Alabang; St. Scholasticas’ College, Manila; and University of Makati.

Adarna Cipriano is a licensed and registered guidance counselor and psychologist who has had experience working in a multicultural country, specifically in the United Arab Emirates. She has had over 20 years of experience in the field of counseling and psychology. Her exposure to clinical, industrial and school settings has made her a well-rounded person emotionally, mentally and professionally.

What led you to become a psychologist?

Are people hesitant to share their struggles with you during sessions because you’re a woman psychologist?

What do you enjoy most about being a psychologist?

Is there a perception you wish the public can change about psychologists?

Sarah

Most people think they can only talk to a psychologist when they feel really depressed or anxious, or when they think they’re “crazy.” However, I want the public to change the perspective that sometimes you just need a “mental health check up” similar to a physical examination. Our brain is an organ too, and sometimes it can get sick. A person needs someone to listen to them objectively without judgment in the way, and not everyone has a good support system that validates their emotions and thoughts. Sometimes a person needs professional help for that. Additionally, psychologists can help them with low self-esteem, regulating emotions, tolerating stressful situations, and the like.

Who would you say is your female role model? Why?

What do you think the country needs to improve on with regards to mental health?

What do you think hinders Filipinos from engaging in availing mental health services?

Vana

There are still many Filipinos who are either not aware about or not knowledgeable enough about mental health. They would count it as “normal lang naman”. It can be, yes, but there are some things that need to be monitored, consulted, and/or intervened right away. Then, we have the lack of resources. Unfortunately, our country is not investing enough in the health system (just look at the nurses, doctors, PT, Radtech, etc.. Normally, they go abroad to earn more. How much more for the MH professionals?

What benefits do you think Filipinos will have from talking to a psychologist?

What is it like being a female psychologist?

Sarah

It is difficult to be a psychologist in general. But, for female psychologists, people expect us to be “okay” all the time when we’re also struggling with hormones, societal expectations, like having family or career expectations, and emotional distress because of our life experiences. It creates a certain pressure for us. Nevertheless, I have wonderful female colleagues that give me support and encouragement. Also, as a female psychologist, it is easier to relate to the difficulties of other women and understand where they are coming from.

Vana

This is something I’m always proud of. It helped me to see myself as a woman with substance and purpose, because I was able to help the people around me, and of course, our community. Through the years, women were not given a lot of opportunities, but this time, more women psychologists are taking strides to serve the community, and help others sexes and genders feel empowered by being who they are without judgment and hesitation, such as making our male patients feel vulnerable and emotional or by just letting them share their problems in life; whereas letting the woman be brave and courageous enough to stand on their own feet, especially those who are battered and underprivileged, helping them to stand up again, and make a choice of their own. As a psychologist, I believe in practicing what you preach and walking the talk to make a difference.

What message of empowerment do you hope to share with the women of today?

Business & Mental Health

The Women Behind Mind You’s Kumu Channel

Post author By Monica Concepcion
Post date 17 March 2022

Kumu, which launched in 2017, is currently one of the biggest social networking platforms in the Philippines. The social media entertainment app that allows users to livestream, video chat, play games and even run a business was developed by Filipino entrepreneurs based in the United States. It’s widely known as the Pinoy community platform that gathers Filipinos all over the world to share stories and engage with one another. Evidently, Kumu is a fast-growing social media channel that is gaining a lot of traction and providing a new outlook on how individuals can interact with an audience that finds interest in their content.

Earlier this year, Mind You set its sights on joining the platform to address one of its goals, which is to open up the conversation on mental health on a greater scale. At present, the organization has released a podcast channel in the past month called “An Open Mind with Liza Soberano” alongside a Kumu channel hosted by one of Kumu’s founding talents, Geli Cruz, in the hopes of breaking stigmas of mental health in the country. Alongside Geli Cruz are regular co-hosts Rea Villa (Senior Psychologist of Mind You) and Michelle Gomez (mental health advocate & Miss Earth Colombia 2016).

Geli Cruz, an avid music and lifestyle streamer on Kumu and the current host of the Mind You Kumu channel, shares her “why” behind joining this Mind You initiative, “Paying it forward in my most troubled times, there was always that one glimmer of hope that kept me going. I openly and proudly advocate for mental health because it is my turn to be that glimmer of hope for someone else, and eventually – the world.”

Cruz is confident that Mind You will be able to change the mental health landscape of the Philippines through Kumu, and is thrilled about the opportunity. She believes that this platform is where Filipinos from all walks of life interact in a safe and welcoming space. Through this Kumunity, Mind You will be able to reach and help more Filipinos in a more impactful way. “I hope to see a society where Filipinos are not scared to live openly and loudly- to stay true to who they really are.” she says.

Rea Celine Villa, Mind You’s senior psychologist, and co-author of the very first Filipino Youth Depression Scale — a self-assessment tool to measure an individual’s depressive tendencies. Her expertise in the mental health field serves as a valuable asset in the Kumu mental health Kumunity. She shares her thoughts on the status of mental health in the Philippines. “When it comes to mental health, if you’re not a psychologist, you would ask yourself, am I depressed, anxious? Sometimes it’s tricky because you don’t know the levels. In the Philippines, we’re just starting to be aware of our emotions, our thoughts and behavior. It’s more of a challenge. However because of Mind You and other mental health professionals advocating for mental health then in due time at least we’ll be more aware.”

Alongside Geli Cruz and Rea Villa is Michelle Gomez, who was crowned Miss Earth Colombia 2016 and openly shares that mental health is her main advocacy following her pageantry. She shares reason behind joining the Kumu channel. “Mental health is my main advocacy, and I truly believe that educating people about it will create a change in our society, Mind You gave us a great platform to talk about mental health and break the stigma around it, I’m thrilled that I can be part of this.”

When asked if her pageantry experience guided her through mental health conversations, Gomez states “Definitely my pageant career has taught me how to be more tolerant and less judgmental. I’ve seen girls shining on stage but completely broken in real life, I am one of them. When we talk about our mental health we cannot expect everyone to see it as we do, not everyone has experienced the same things we have. That’s where we have to stop our judgment and open our empathetic ones to understand better what others might be going through.”

These women with various backgrounds showcase that mental health can stem from diverse backgrounds. Geli Cruz, Michelle Gomez and Rea Villa are working together to do their part to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the country through this Kumu channel. With their vast experience and knowledge, you can expect to learn a lot not only about yourself, but also the society and the importance of recognizing each one’s mental health journey.

Check out the Mind You Kumu channel as it goes live every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 pm PST, where Geli Cruz and her co-hosts talk about everything and anything under the sun about how to better care for our mental health and wellbeing.

Business & Mental Health Events

Mind You Launches Podcast on Mental Health with Liza Soberano

Post author By Monica Concepcion
Post date 14 January 2022

Mind You embarks on a new journey with a new platform to spread the word and widen its efforts in ending the stigma towards mental health.

Though there has been a long-standing reservation when it comes to opening up about mental health in the country, it is evident that there is renewed interest in holistic wellbeing, especially because of the ill-effects of the pandemic. To normalize these conversations even further, the organisation has officially launched a podcast that allows the public to take a deep dive into the mental health space on a more intimate note.

It is with great privilege that we introduce to you An Open Mind with Liza Soberano, a podcast which brings to light the journeys of people from all walks of life who talk about their struggles, triumphs, and in-betweens.

Set to air every Sunday starting January 16, the show is hosted by highly acclaimed actress, entrepreneur and advocate for mental health and human rights, Liza Soberano who is currently earning her degree in Psychology. Of the much-awaited collaboration, Liza shares, “Since the pandemic happened, I’ve witnessed and heard people going through severe depression, so I’m really happy that Mind You is taking the step to opening our eyes and our mind into talking about mental health and not keeping it such a taboo topic.”

For the show’s first episode, fellow actress, host, and entrepreneur Yassi Pressman shares her story on the impact of being a public figure, the hardships of losing a loved one, and the highs and lows she experienced during these unprecedented times.

The first season includes honest unfiltered conversations with media personalities like Cristine Reyes, Gab Valenciano, and Enrique Gil. Mind You’s Senior Psychologist, Rea Villa also joins the show to shed light on the mental health landscape of the country, as well as the life of a psychologist.

We invite you to embark on this exciting mental wellbeing journey with Mind You. An Open Mind with Liza Soberano is on Spotify, Apple Music or on @podcastnetworkasia’s website (just visit https://podcastnetwork.asia/all-shows/ and search ‘An Open Mind with Liza Soberano’ in the search bar).

To learn more about how Mind You can help you or your organization, click here.
Don’t forget to follow us on our Twitter, Instagram and Kumu for the latest updates.

Business & Mental Health

Mind You Officially Certified As “A Great Place to Work”

Post author By Monica Concepcion
Post date 11 January 2022

For over 30 years, the Great Place To Work Institute has searched far and wide for organisations that embody their ‘high-performing workplace cultures’. The organizations awarded are those that consistently reflect the Great Place to Work® Trust Model© which consists of five dimensions namely: Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride and Camaraderie. With ample research and providing trusted benchmarks such as the Great Place to Work® Trust Model© the institute aims to empower organisations all over the world in transforming workplace cultures for various industries.

It is with great honor that we announce that our organisation, Mind You Mental Health Systems, has been certified a “Great Place to Work”, with 92% of our employees stating that the company embodies a transformative high-performing workplace culture.

Mind You endeavours to create an environment for its employees to thrive. With opportunities for growth, a delicate balance between being given guidance and independence, and employees that are deeply connected to our mission and vision, we are constantly being set up for success.

Sandra Rodriguez, Marketing Communications Manager

How can we care for others, if we can't take care of our own people," is a mentality we reflect on at our workplace. Despite the fact that Mind You's services are for the betterment and wellbeing of others, the company always tries to make it a point to take care of our employees first. Making sure that everyone is in a good place only serves to improve their work, which in turn improves their service. Mind You is a great place to work at because the company takes care of its own to be able to take care of others.

Dan Villafuerte, Senior Psychologist

I believe Mind You is a great place to work because everyone, regardless of what department you're in, is pro growth. Though we have cultivated a competitive environment, it isn't one for personal gain; rather, the kind of environment where we want to see each other thrive and become the best versions of ourselves despite the roadblocks & challenges that we face in the kind of industry we're in.

Hanna Llamanzares, Senior HR Associate

Mind You is a great place to work in for the simple fact that everyone that I have worked with in the company is passionate about mental health not just in the Philippines but in general. It's a different environment to work in where some workplace issues and toxicity are minimized because everyone is aware of mental health.

Cedrick Amamio, Web Designer

Mind You makes sure that everyone in the company has great opportunities, has a meaningful impact, and is contributing to the good of society.

Robert Escalona, Senior Customer Success Associate

Mind You is a great place to work because it is not just an office, the whole team makes up one extraordinary organism. Everybody is aligned in valuing the mission and making sure that we succeed in creating an impact in the mental health space of the Philippines. You could see burning passion overflowing everyday, and the management makes sure to support everyone in the team to achieve greater professional and personal development.

Kath Sabalza, Executive Assistant of CEO and COO

Mind You cultivates a healthy yet productive environment while nurturing the common goal of driving the organization's advocacy forward. We link as one, and we are slowly creating bits of change for the future of mental health.

Clarisse Ronquillo, Junior Social Media Marketing Associate

Mind You is a great place to work in because of the people. It’s pretty amazing to see so many people from different walks of life find a place where their passion aligns. Where everyone is supportive and encouraging to help fulfill dreams and aspirations.

Chanchal Badlani, Psychoeducational Content Associate

Mind You is a Great Place to Work at because the intention behind every action is clear: to help people live happier and more fulfilled lives by caring for their mental health. As an advocacy-driven person, this environment has helped me work with more flexibility and openness to feedback in constant striving towards that big dream.

Trisha Reyes, Production & Events Associate

Mind You is a great place to work because of the drive and passion everyone has in working towards the vision, and how collaboration among different departments are encouraged.

Arrah Balucating, Marketing Communications Associate

Since its inception, Mind You has made it a point to establish transparency, encourage individual growth and promote leadership amongst its employees. Its vision to help 1 million people overcome stress, anxiety, and depression with the best mental healthcare by 2025 holds greater meaning with every individual in the company working passionately towards its cause.

Source: https://www.greatplacetowork.com.ph/gptwcertified/mindyou/

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Business & Mental Health

The Gifts that Keep on Giving: Celebrating Mind You’s Frontliners This Holiday Season

Post author By Monica Concepcion
Post date 4 January 2022

On December 17, 2021, Mind You held its annual Christmas party to go back to its roots and commemorate the milestones it has accomplished throughout the year in the mental health space. The event sought to celebrate the hard work of every individual in the company, and recognised the top performers of the year across all departments. However, the highlight of the night was to pay tribute to Mind You’s frontliners, the Psychologists, who make our mission and vision possible. The Psychologists are the first people to touch base with the public, they are in essence delivering the connection and service that Mind You aims to provide for 1,000,000 Filipinos by 2025.

To work in the mental health space in a country that has a cultural stigma towards it is already a challenge to begin with. However, throughout the pandemic, it was evident that more Filipinos are beginning to open up about their mental health challenges. This, in turn, has brought to light the need for a shift in perspective on how we perceive mental health. In ending this stigma, the psychologists are those at the forefront selflessly devoting time, energy, and passion, serving the people to the best of their capabilities, despite the challenges they are facing throughout the unprecedented brought about by the pandemic. Truly, their hard work and their unrelenting dedication are the gifts that keep on giving in these interesting times.

To the Psychologists of Mind You, thank you for holding the torch for us. It is because of your commitment and tremendous effort that we are where we are today. As we begin the New Year, we want to express our utmost gratitude. We are grateful for each and every one of you and are excited to partner with you on this journey in making truly transformational change happen, one therapy session at a time.