Breaking the stigma: UB Guidance Center holds mental health confab

The University of Bohol Guidance Center organized a very timely 2-day seminar on Mental Health Awareness last October 2-3, 2019. Guest speakers were renowned experts in the field, Dr. Kit Balane, a clinical Psychologist, and Dr. Joy Bueno, a Psychiatrist.

According to Dr. Balane, mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realizes its own abilities, copes with normal stresses of life, works productively and fruitfully, and make a contribution to the community.

Dr. Balane emphasized that people must follow the MIND method to be mentally healthy. Move, Introspect, Nourish, and Divine. He further stated that it is essential for an individual to keep moving and engage in physical activities instead of staying indoors.

These include taking a walk, going to the gym, and do other activities that will help increase happy hormones. It also includes practicing the art of Introspection - spending time with oneself, doing an internal inspection of your thoughts, feelings, and goals and then nourishing oneself - feeding your mind with positive thoughts and surrounding yourself with the people you love. And letting go of the things you cannot control and stop dwelling in the past and above all seeking the Divine God.

In the same manner, Dr. Bueno focused on the importance of being resilient, the ability to bounce back from painful experiences. To do that, an individual must accept that change is part of living; that despite the struggles, one must learn to maintain a hopeful outlook in life and nurture a positive view of oneself. She also emphasized the importance of active and emphatic listening, especially in cases of suicidal tendencies. Everyone should be available to listen, show concern, and let others know that they are not alone.



Free Joomla Lightbox Gallery