By Cyrus A. Natividad

Attendees of the First Mental Health Seminar conducted by the CPU-RCECC.

At least 3.6 million Filipinos are facing mental health issues during the pandemic, according to the Department of health estimates. This includes depression, substance use disorders such as alcohol use disorder, and mood disorders like bipolar disorder. COVID-19 infection, according to the DOH in itself has been found to directly impact a person’s mental health.

The Central Philippine University Office of Review, Continuing Education and Consultancy Center (RCECC), in partnership with CPU Guidance Services Center will hold a 2-day face-to-face public seminar-workshop entitled “Basics of Mental Health First Aid” on October 11-12, 2023 at the 4th Floor Henry Luce III Library, Gallery Room.

The training aims to enable the personnel to become effective at carrying out their support roles in and out of the offices, or whenever the need arises. Not all institutions and offices have trained mental health professionals on call. It is up to the personnel to manage a crisis if it comes or find ways to reach out to those struggles they witness up close.

They may not even be aware of what it is they are witnessing. Psychological issues may present in different ways through behavior, physical appearance, too much or little appetite, inability to concentrate or sleep, the lack of motivation or enthusiasm for any or all activities and more.

The “MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID IN THE CLASSROOM” seminar workshop was previously held from August 22-23, 2023 at the Educational Media Center (EMC) Conference Room, CPU. It was attended by school administrators representing 7 academic institutions, including CPU.

Special thanks to our University Guidance counselors led by Prof. Roselynn Hope Fabula Cabanos and our Librarian for their dedicated facilitation of the workshops.