Categories
Lifestyle

What You Need To Know About Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where an individual doubts their abilities, accomplishments and skills and has a persistent fear that they do not deserve to be where they are.

It is not uncommon. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 70% of people will go on to experience this phenomenon at least once in their lives.

How can I overcome imposter syndrome?

1. Don’t compare yourself

Our feelings of inadequacy stem from a relative comparison we draw with our peers, or even strangers we see on the internet. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique and often what people choose to show is only the tip of the iceberg. Focus on your growth and celebrate your wins.

2. Express your thoughts to your support network

We are our harshest critics. When we share moments of self-judgment with those we trust and respect, the perception that they have of us can differ greatly and can better ground you in reality.

3. Shift your mindset

Instead of identifying your anxiety as a confirmation that you are not worthy, see it as something to get excited about.

Tell yourself: “I feel uncomfortable right now, but this is normal. This is how I grow as a person.”

For any anxieties you may be facing, remember that Mind You is here for you. Book a session with one of our psychologists and get the support that you may need.

Sandra Rodriguez

Marketing Communications Manager

Categories
Business & Mental Health

The National Mental Health Summit: A Mind You Milestone

The National Mental Health Summit: A Mind You Milestone

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The National Mental Health Summit 2021 was Mind You’s inaugural host event for the mental health industry and the first of many to come. The event was organised with the objective of gathering key stakeholders, members of government, mental health professionals, and mental health advocates to tackle the questions: what is the state of mental health in the Philippines, and how can we effectively manage the national mental health crisis? Ultimately, the goal was to educate and empower the general public about mental health and connect them with the appropriate resources available in the country.

Cristine Reyes, award-winning actress and mental health advocate as the Master of Ceremonies

[From left to right] Miguel Valdez, Head of Operations at Mind You and CEO of Vanguard Assessments; Dr. Dinah Palmera Nadera, Medical Specialist and Project Leader; Rea Celine Villa, Senior Psychologist at Mind You; Michael J. Needham, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Mind You during the panel discussion.

In summary  the Summit was a success, in all the ways that we had planned for. The diverse speaker line-up featured esteemed individuals such as Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Mental Health Act author Senator Risa Hontiveros, Department of Health Chief Health Program Officer Frances Cuevas, and Director of the University Gender Hub, Dr. Mira Ofreneo, a center that fosters gender inclusivity just to name a few. With their engaging speeches and presentations, we were able to deep-dive into what the state of mental health looks like in virtually every corner of the Philippines: that is, for Local Government Units (LGUs), businesses, women, the youth, the sports community, the LGBTQIA+ community, and finally, the general population. 

The panel discussion segment featured Mind You’s very own Head of Operations and CEO of Vanguard Assessments, Miguel Valdez, Senior Psychologist, Rea Celine Villa, and Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder Michael J. Needham, alongside medical specialist and project leader Dr. Dinah Palmera Nadera. The discussion explored questions submitted by the audience, tackling real world sociological topics such as mental health stigmas specific to Filipino culture, the varying levels of accessibility and education across the region, and the hopeful outlook we have on the future of mental health in our country.

Engagement and reach for the summit  has been sky-rocketing across our social media platforms: with livestreams on Facebook, Youtube and Kumu reaching over 79,000 people, and the event amassed a total of 21,000 views. It was shared and commented on more than  600 times, and generated over 29,000 likes. The summit attracted viewers from Zamboanga, Rizal, Bataan, Cebu, Pampanga, Caloocan, Iloilo and Davao; some even tuning in from Singapore, Mexico and the USA. 

“The way they explained the realities of mental health in our country was eloquent, respectful and sufficiently based on true data.”

Kenli Rey S. Diaz, Student from Ateneo de Iloilo

“I learned so much from the event. I was able to know how to support my friends and also how to cope with stress and anxiety.”

Erica Joi Latayan, Telemarketing Agent

“The summit drove me more to be a mental health advocate.”

Pat Arnee I. Arradji, Teacher at Lubigan National High School

 

The Summit also received raving reviews, such as the ones shown above. Out of 138 survey responses, the event scored an overall rating of 9.66 out of 10. Charlene Mae Villanueva of Central Luzon State University ‘enjoyed every single part of the event’ because the topics were ‘timely and helpful’. Another wrote that they were grateful for Mayor Joy Belmonte’s segment, as they were not even aware of the programs that were running in Quezon City. Felicia Andrea N. Constantino of Ateneo de Davao University appreciated that Dr. Dinah delivered very ‘technical terms in the Filipino language’, and was one of many students that walked away from the Summit feeling more informed and excited about their prospects as the mental health professionals of tomorrow. Many respondents lauded the speakers for being engaging, knowledgeable, and that they made their topics easier for the viewers to understand. 

It is clear that the people have been sharing similar sentiments for a long time, or are now coming to realise the same thing: that mental health has always been of utmost importance, and it will take the collective efforts of the government, private sector and individuals alike to bring about inter-generational transformation in the Philippines. For the Mind You team, the summit marks a significant milestone in our journey: it has provided a springboard for the mobilisation of resources towards achieving our long-term goal, as well as a safe place to initiate much-needed conversations that will eventually trickle into every home, classroom, meeting room and every corner of the Philippines. 

To follow us on our mission to transform the culture of mental health in the Philippines, follow us @mindyoumhs on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Kumu & YouTube.

The Mind You team is all smiles after wrapping up the National Mental Health Summit 2021

#EndTheStigma #BeTheChange 

Sandra Oledan Rodriguez

Marketing Communications Manager

Categories
Business & Mental Health COVID-19

5 Things You Need To Hear If You Are Grieving Right Now

In these trying times, we continue to grieve as a nation for the lives lost to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Mind You family extends its sincerest condolences and support to those in mourning. Here are 5 things you need to hear if you find yourself in this situation.

1. Grief takes time

Do not rush through the pain. It is okay to hurt because only once you are able to process it does a gateway to acceptance and therefore healing, open up to you.

2. The grieving process is not necessarily chronological

Most people are familiar with Kübler-Ross’ grief cycle, which gives a useful framework of the stages of grief, from denial, anger, bargaining, depression to acceptance, These stages may vary in intensity, and may not follow that order, so be kind to yourself as you experience the flow of your complex thoughts and emotions.

3. Healing is not linear

In the same way, we may experience the stages of grief in differing orders, we cannot assume that every day will bring us one step closer to healing every single time. Some days are good, and some days are challenging.

4. You cannot really prepare for grief

You may believe that because you have past experience or mourn and grieve in a certain way, you will be able to control how you react this time around. However, most of the time, this is not true. We cannot know how we will react when we lose a specific person in our lives. What we do know for certain is that it is important we practise self-compassion through whatever hardships or perceived setbacks that come our way.

5. You are not alone

It is easy to withdraw from the world when a situation is difficult to accept. While it is important to give yourself time and space for healing and introspection, reach out to your loved ones, too. Processing grief should not be a road travelled alone.

 

Need a judgment-free space to process your grief? We’re here to listen. Book a session with one of Mind You’s psychologists here.

Sandra Rodriguez

Marketing Communications Manager

Categories
Lifestyle

Why Are Boundaries Important?

Boundaries are an essential component in maintaining your mental health. They help set basic guidelines of how we want to be treated, whether it be in the context of personal or work relationships. Without them, we may feel intruded upon, emotionally exhausted, taken for granted, or taken advantage of.

Contrary to popular belief, healthy relationships contain uncomfortable conversations. Understand that you are entitled to have boundaries, just as any other person does.

If you are struggling to set a boundary, ask yourself these questions:

  • How would you like the outcome to differ next time?
  • Once you have identified your favourable outcome, ask yourself: “What is the best way I can communicate this?”

How, then, can we set these boundaries despite the initial discomfort of setting them?

1. Communicate your boundaries clearly

Be explicit about how you want to be treated, adopting a tone that is both decisive and respectful at the same time.

2. Acknowledge that setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable and may sometimes evoke feelings of guilt and anxiety

Remember that feeling guilt and anxiety when setting boundaries are a natural part of the process. However, the more you practice setting boundaries, the less of these feelings you feel.

3. Accept that boundaries can change over time

Just like the relationships they define, boundaries are complex and ever-changing. Allow for some flexibility as your relationship dynamic with other people develops and evolves.

 

When you become accustomed to setting boundaries, you help determine the overall dynamic of your interactions with others, creating a healthy domino effect on other aspects of your life.

Need more help in setting boundaries? Book a session with one of our licensed psychologists today!

Sandra Rodriguez

Marketing Communications Manager

Categories
Lifestyle

Men’s Mental Health: Why We Need To Talk About It

Men’s Mental Health: Why We Need To Talk About It

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The statistics 

The research on gender and mental health paints an interesting but eye-opening picture on the state of men’s mental health. For instance, save for China and some parts in India, the suicide rate is higher for men than women in almost all parts of the world. In a more recent study conducted in the Philippines, according to the Department of Health, there were 2,413 cases of reported suicide in 2016, and more than 2,000 of those cases were male. In childhood, a majority of studies report a higher prevalence of antisocial and aggressive behaviours amongst boys than in girls. In adulthood, men typically have an earlier onset of schizophrenia than women, and rank higher in terms of substance use disorders and antisocial behaviours


In four surveys conducted in the US, women reported experiencing higher levels of distress and were more likely to perceive that they were undergoing an emotional problem, compared to men who were confronted with similar levels of symptoms. Interestingly, once men recognised, acknowledged and accepted they had a problem, they were just as likely as women to make use of mental health services available to them


Many studies concluded that women are consistently more likely to utilise mental health services than men; men are more likely to seek care at a later stage after the onset of symptoms, or prefer to delay seeking help until symptoms become severe. 

What are the main takeaways from these statistics? 

  1. There is proven incidence of a number of mental health conditions in men that would significantly benefit from further professional help and treatment plans 

  2. Likely due to social factors such as stigma and misconceptions about mental health, men are less likely to seek help, and when they do, ask for it at too late a stage


Transforming the landscape of men’s mental health

In the Philippines, narratives of toxic masculinity are prevalent. For example, men are told that they need to ‘suck it up’, that it is not ‘manly’ to experience moments of vulnerability or to speak openly about challenges they are facing. The result is further stigma around having open conversations about mental health, and thus, taking action to help resolve their crises. 


It is thus of urgent and utmost importance that we continue to destigmatise mental health to help encourage men that it is okay to not be okay, no matter what gender or walk of life you come from. 


How can we help improve perceptions of men and mental health? 

  1. Normalise conversations about mental health with the men in your life. Reassure them it is okay to open up and that you are there to support them through the hardships they are enduring. Additionally, direct them towards the appropriate resource, such as Mind You’s preventative health platform where they can book a session with a licensed psychologist. 

  2. Find support groups for males and if there is a lack of resources, consider starting one. It is important to create a safe space for men to share their experiences with other males. This is an intensely validating experience where they can feel a sense of unity and belonging, help them increase their own self-awareness, and also augments their personal support systems. These groups do not need to be big and complicated in structure – simply call together a couple of your male friends and propose the idea. 

  3. Teach males about the importance of mental health at an early age. It is crucial to emphasise the importance of self-expression and the ability to emotionally regulate when faced with a challenge during the formative, developmental stages of one’s life. In so doing, they grow into men and enter society as individuals with a stronger sense of self-worth, an increased sense of self-awareness which will help them empathise with others, and a long-held value that vulnerability is a strength, and not a weakness – a belief they will be empowered to share with the people in their lives. 

Let us continue to pave the way for a belief that is unconditional and undiscriminating, and one firmly held by Mind You and its people: that mental healthcare services should be accessible and affordable for everyone, not least the men facing stigmas surrounding their ‘right’ to express themselves. 

Sources:

Acuna, M., 2021. Growing number of young Filipinos committing suicide – UCA News. [online] ucanews.com. Available at: <https://www.ucanews.com/news/growing-number-of-young-filipinos-committing-suicide/81759#>

Who.int. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.who.int/gender/other_health/genderMH.pdf>

Categories
Productivity

How to Re-Enter the World Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Navigating Your Excitement, Anxieties, and Everything in Between

How to Re-Enter the World Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: Navigating Your Excitement, Anxieties, and Everything in Between

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There have been different responses to the reopening of our community quarantine restrictions. How to re-engage with one another will be a different experience for everyone. There are some that have really struggled to survive or thrive within the parameters of the quarantine protocols and prolonged isolation; whereas others have found solace and even meaning from their experience. For instance, some appreciate less time spent commuting to work, and have been able to invest more time in improving their relationships with their family members due to the increased amount of time they spend at home. Others have just enjoyed the slowing down of life in general. And for others, still, they experience both. Thus, there are people who are afraid to lose the things they have worked hard on, or have come to value, during the pandemic. It is therefore understandable that there is a palpable anxiety about re-entering the world. 


While we cannot say that the pandemic is over, the increasing number of vaccinated populations coupled with a generally increasing acceptance of ‘the new normal’ has resulted in relaxed protocols wherein people are given more freedom to leave their homes once more. 


Check out the tips below to help soothe your anxieties about rejoining the world. 

Accept two possibilities: 

  1. Accept that you can experience a range of emotions, even if they seem to contradict one another. 

  2. Accept that your life in this new normal may not resemble what your life looked like pre-pandemic. 


According to licensed clinical psychologist Andrea Bonior, Ph.D., “There’s a whole range of emotions and you can have them at the same time.” It is entirely possible to be excited about resuming your favourite outdoor activities with friends or seeing your colleagues face-to-face, while at the same time still mourning losses you may have experienced due to COVID-19. It may cause you stress and confusion to have such conflicting emotions, but understand that this is completely normal and often universally felt. It is more helpful to look at emotions as a cycle – for instance, going from guilt, to stress, to happiness. Be mindful of the peaks and valleys of your emotions and practice self-compassion. 


Remind yourself of what is within your control. 

Anxiety often stems from worries over uncertainty. When planning an outing with friends, take note of the factors within your control e.g. when your vaccination appointment is, or holding the reunion outdoors with social distancing and masks. Another way to approach your anxiety is to recall instances in the past where you’ve been faced with similar feelings, and how you overcame them. Know that you can reach for that same strength and resilience to overcome this challenge, too. 


Make a list of the things you’re looking forward to. 

Our worries are often given the spotlight when we anticipate negative consequences. Shift your focus to the activities, new goals, and loved ones that are excited to see you, instead. By manifesting a more positive mindset – while acknowledging the turbulence of our emotions all the same – we are better equipped to quiet the anxieties that keep us preoccupied. 


Reintroduce activities and hobbies slowly. 

We often talk about ‘burnout’ in the context of work, but it can apply to social activities as well. Be mindful of overbooking yourself, as you may find yourself disappointed, asking, “Why didn’t I enjoy all of those social activities I used to enjoy before the pandemic started? Assimilate back into the real world in moderation. 


Curate your informational diet. 

Hearing about COVID cases, deaths and delays in government decisions everyday can contribute to your anxiety and frustration. While it is important to stay informed, manage all of the information you expose yourself to, whether that is through group chats, social media or the daily newspaper. Choose what you see, and how frequently you see it. 


Turn to your loved ones. 

We always emphasise the importance of confiding in your support system, because it is important for almost every challenge you could be facing. Speak to them about your worries, and often you will find they are going through a similar experience. There is strength in knowing that you are not alone, and by acknowledging your concerns together you may even help find creative solutions to help ease your anxieties and reintegrate into society more smoothly. 


Seek professional help to express your anxieties in a judgment-free space. 

Anxiety is experienced by everyone, and even at this stage we encourage speaking to a licensed psychologist if you have access to one because the therapeutic benefits of speaking to someone are invaluable. However, if anxiety gets to the point where it is impeding your everyday life, or if it is manifesting in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, difficulties with concentration or sleeping, we encourage that you prioritise speaking to a mental health professional as soon as possible. 


Sources: 

Dave, A. (2021). Reentry Anxiety: 7 Ways to Deal With Stress About Post-Pandemic Life. https://www.self.com/story/re-entry-anxiety-covid

Bhatia, R. (2020). 10 Tips to Manage Reentry Anxiety Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/10-tips-manage-re-entry-anxiety-related-covid-19

SCL Health. (2021). Pandemic Re-entry Anxiety? How to Overcome It. https://www.sclhealth.org/blog/2021/03/pandemic-reentry-anxiety-heres-how-to-overcome-it/

Categories
Business & Mental Health

4 Things You Need To Know About Stress

4 Things You Need To Know About Stress

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Four Things To Know About Stress


Most of us experience stress at varying levels throughout our daily lives; it manifests in different ways depending on our internal and external circumstances. Although there are days when stress can strike us particularly hard, learning the different kinds of stress that exist can help us manage them.


The different types of stress:


  1. Routine stress over daily responsibilities, school, work and/or family

  2. Stress triggered by negative events, such as losing one’s job, divorces, deaths, etc. 

  3. Traumatic stress, which is experienced as a result of traumatic events such as car accidents, natural disasters, assault, war, etc.


While we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control how we react to them. Here are some things to remember:


Not all stress is bad for you. Stress can act as motivators to take action or to prioritise something, such as when you have a looming deadline or you’re about to interview for a new job. In life-threatening situations, stress is what prepares the body to engage in its fight or flight mode. Your muscles tense and your pulse quickens. As you breathe faster, your brain uses more oxygen, which increases cognitive activity. 


Long-term stress can harm your health. Stress can manifest into physical symptoms if left ignored. In the short term, some people may experience problems with their digestion, insomnia, migraine headaches, irritability, sadness or anger. In the longer term, sustained stress may lead to conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, or mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression. So it is important to notice your behaviour and get help early before your stress turns into a potential problem.


Stress can be managed. Take note of your stressors and how you react to them. Ensure you have your “de-stressors”, or your outlets, such as exercise or fun activities as part of your routine to help combat the effects of stress. Take on a more focused approach when it comes to your tasks by making a list of priorities, and knowing when to say ‘no’ to something to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Have honest and open conversations about your mental wellbeing with your loved ones so that you don’t always keep what is stressing you bottled up inside. Finally, turn to a professional if you need further support.

Categories
COVID-19

Parenting During the Pandemic

Parenting During the Pandemic

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With the pandemic presenting new challenges for families everyday, it’s easy to feel varying levels of stress and anxiety. However, there are small ways for parents to make everyday a little easier and strengthen their familial bonds. While much has been written about adapting to the new circumstances in a work setting, it is important to acknowledge that innovation needs to take place at home as well. Mind You has prepared a quick parenting guide to get you started.

Maintain healthy habits  

Structure your day and consider the following:

  • Schoolwork
  • Meal and snack times
  • Chores
  • Physical activity
  • Recreational activities/social interactions with friends and family online
  • Wake-up and bedtimes 

By doing this sooner rather than later, this also helps you plan out your day and helps you visualise what to expect every hour. 

Be emotionally present 

Your children depend on you for emotional and physical safety. Address their fears by acknowledging the present circumstances, but remember to remain gentle and hopeful. Divert attention away from panic by providing actionable steps, such as teaching them how to wash their hands, and the importance of personal protective equipment and social distancing. 

Set the example on how to manage feelings

You are your child’s guiding light. Talk them through your own thoughts and feelings and how you are planning to manage them. For instance, you can say, “I am also worried about your titas and titos, but I will continue to check on them until it is safe to visit them. I will schedule weekly phone calls and send them food every Sunday.” You can also allocate an hour per week for ‘circle time’ – an opportunity for the family to gather together and express their worries, fears and hopes. It is important to maintain a sense of unity and solidarity during this period of isolation. 

Ask them guiding questions 

For example, when they express frustration over not being able to see their friends, you can ask: “I understand that it’s been difficult for you and your friends that you cannot see each other in person. What are some other fun and safe activities you can do together?” Asking open-ended questions like this can help your child work through their frustration because it forces them to come up with ideas to resolve their dilemma. 

Stay in touch with loved ones

A reason for your child’s anxiety may be that they are worried about your family members. If socially distant visits are not possible, you can always schedule video chats with your relatives. 

Implement a new privileges & rewards system

Get creative with new ways to help reinforce good behaviour. For instance, schedule 1 or 2 hours at night as your own self-care time, and assign the chore, “take care of my siblings” to one of your older children for the same time slot. If things go well, you will feel recharged, your older child will be rewarded, and your younger children will have had the opportunity to bond with their sibling. Three birds with one stone!

Find a silver lining

The quarantine protocols have meant more time together as a family – potentially, something that was lacking in your busy routines pre-pandemic. Thus, take this time to come up with creative ways to bond. You can roleplay books, complete with costumes and sound effects to elevate the storytelling experience. You can set some time aside to paint together, letting your children express their fears, anxieties or excitement about the future through shapes and colours. For older kids, you can start a cooking class together or find a workout that the whole family enjoys.

Source: 

HealthyChildren.org. 2021. Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Keep the Calm at Home. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Parenting-in-a-Pandemic.aspx>

Categories
Productivity

Why Forcing Happiness Might Be Counterproductive

Why Forcing Happiness Might Be Counterproductive

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While advice such as ‘just be happy’ is well-intentioned, there is an ironic consequence of always trying to stay positive. A recent study observing people with depressive symptoms concluded that the more pressure the participants received from their environment not to experience negative emotions, the higher the probability that they would experience an increase in depressive symptoms. Essentially, we can actually feel worse the more we suppress or downplay negative feelings. On top of feeling sad and anxious, we also feel shame over not being happy, which exacerbates the negative experience. In her book titled “Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings by Letting Yourself Have Them”, Tina Gilbertson offers a counter-intuitive approach: that, if we want to have a chance at happiness, we need to be comfortable with the discomfort of negative emotions. After all, the more you practice your ability to emotionally regulate, the better friend, lover, parent, sibling and mentor you can be for the people around you. 

Thus, the plan of action when it comes to these emotions is one of facing them head on, rather than avoiding them. 

How can you work with your negative emotions without fearing them? 

  1. Take note of and label the emotions as you experience them, identifying the situations they arose in and what triggered you to feel that way. Always remember that, at the end of the day, negative emotions are part and parcel of the human experience shared by all. 

  2. Don’t act on your feelings – at least, not right away. Exasperation and despair in themselves cannot hurt you, but turning to vices, can. Allow yourself to feel the full extent of your emotions, process them through reflection, then practice daily self-compassion. You’ll often find that once you give yourself time and space away from a situation, you are able to think clearer and thus, more able to make better decisions. 

  3. See happiness as a step in the process of self-care, and not merely the only way you’re supposed to feel. Creating an expectation wherein you are constantly chasing happiness when you are feeling down will only make you feel worse, because the expectation emphasises the disparity between how you feel and how you want to feel. 

With the exception of situations where there is a medical condition, remember that emotions provide valuable information about what we’re experiencing. In return, we should show gratitude to our emotions by always giving them the attention they deserve.

Sources:

Gilbertson LPC, T., 2021. Why Trying to Be Happy Is So Depressing. [online] Psychology Today. Available at: <https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/constructive-wallowing/201707/why-trying-be-happy-is-so-depressing>

Gilbertson LPC, T., 2021. Constructive Wallowing | In Denver call 303.875.5020. [online] Tina Gilbertson, LPC. Available at: <https://tinagilbertson.com/constructive-wallowing/>

Categories
Productivity

How to Start Conversations with Loved Ones When You’re Worried About Their Mental Health

How to Start Conversations with Loved Ones When You’re Worried About Their Mental Health

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Pay attention. Notice their behavioural patterns. Are they stocking their fridge with bad food? Are they ignoring or forgetting their personal hygiene? Is their bedroom a complete mess? Alternatively, if you are not physically with them, you can take note of other behaviours. For example, if they are usually very chatty on social media and you notice withdrawal, or they’re suddenly declining virtual holiday celebrations, this may be a sign that something is up. 

Normalise conversations about mental health. While the stigma of mental health is getting better in the Philippines, it still takes courage to talk about mental health in a normal and healthy way. One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that it has broken down a lot of barriers to help destigmatize mental health conversations – take this opportunity to start checking in on the mental wellbeing of your loved ones. 

Don’t be afraid to ask about self-harm or suicide. According to a study carried out by the University of Western Australia, asking about self-harm or suicide doesn’t actually increase risk. Just the act of showing you have noticed, you care and you are there for someone works to break down that barrier between you and your loved one and creates a sense of relief that they can start speaking to you about their mental health. 

Know where to direct them. Make sure you are constantly acknowledging and validating your loved one. You can say, “It was brave of you to open up, thank you for sharing that with me.” However, do not promise you can keep instances of self-harm or suicidal thoughts a secret. While this may anger them, getting them the support they need, and more importantly, ensuring they survive, is worth it. Connect them with a professional or send them the contact details of a 24-hour crisis hotline*. You may also call the hotline yourself if you need further assistance on what to do. 

Keep in touch and follow up. Make it a routine to check up on your loved one, as it gives them a sense of stability and security. Schedule video calls, or send them small gifts or cards to show them you’re thinking of them. While it is important they get professional support, reassuring statements such as “I love you”, “I will be here for you no matter what”, or “we will get through this” are incredibly powerful, too. 

Please reach out and book a Mind You counselling session to help manage your stress and seek the support you need.

*If the person concerned is outside of your organisation, and they are in a crisis or may be in danger, proceed to the nearest emergency room or call the 24-hour-toll-free suicide prevention hotline, provided by the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH), at 0917-899-8727 or 0917-989-8727.

 

If you are an individual looking to book therapy sessions, we will be launching our services to the public very soon. Leave us your details here to get notified.