By: Stephanie Joy K. Pogongan
The Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO) initiated various student activities promoting mental health education in October 2023. These events, reflecting this year’s theme “Mental Health as a Universal Human Right,” aimed to inculcate to UC students the importance of mental health to their wellbeing.
Wellbe-INK: From Struggle to Strength
To address this year’s theme, the culminating activity held by GCO featured a variety of activities that encompassed a wide range of engaging events. The initiatives included a mental health seminar on October 10, 2023, which was graced by Ms. Maricris Lad-ey Ney-ney, LPT, RGC, RPm, RPsy, as the resource speaker. Her insightful discussion revolved around the vital theme of the 2023 World Mental Health Awareness Day: “Mental Health as a Universal Human Right.” One of the most moving moments of her talk was when she declared, “There is no health without mental health,” underscoring the critical importance of mental well-being in people’s lives.
The office’s efforts extended beyond the seminar by conducting semicolon henna tattoo sessions called Inktober which symbolized hope and resilience, a subtle nod to suicide awareness that emphasized continuity and strength. This activity encouraged UC students to engage in artistic expressions that focused on different mental health topics. To further support artistic release, the office also curated different playlists available on Spotify, which were posted on Canvas for students to access. This provided a calming and supportive listening experience for students to enjoy. From October 11th to 28th, over 700 students participated in the month-long activities.
Project P.E.A.C.E.: Promoting Emotional Awareness through Creative Expression
Another highlight of the initiatives was the active participation of Peer Facilitators (PF), an extension arm of the Guidance and Counseling Office. These individuals played a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering discussions about mental health and suicide prevention.
They initiated an awareness campaign, encouraging all members of the organization to participate in a display photo (DP) blast on their personal Facebook profiles. This campaign lasted until the culminating activities for World Mental Health Day, reinforcing the collective commitment to mental health awareness. The peer facilitators also oversaw an information drive, uploading a series of informative posters promoting awareness about suicide and mental health. These posters were shared on the organization’s Canvas course and official Facebook page, encouraging members to disseminate this vital information throughout their networks.
In line with the activity of the GCO on World Mental Health Day, the PFs had also something up their sleeves which featured a variety of activities including an art exhibit showcasing student creativity, an awareness photo booth designed to capture participants’ commitments to mental wellness, an informative booth offering valuable resources, engaging kantahan sessions filled with music, and unique semicolon henna tattoo sessions symbolizing hope and resilience.
This event not only aimed to celebrate the awareness campaign but also featured an awarding ceremony to honor contest winners on the first day, creating a festive atmosphere that highlights student achievements. By actively involving students in these diverse activities, the peer facilitators played a crucial role in fostering an environment that promoted mental health awareness, encouraged open dialogue, and cultivated a supportive community dedicated to well-being. Together, these efforts aimed to break down stigmas surrounding mental health and empower individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.
