AFTER SEVERAL incidents involving mental health-related emergencies, the Loyola Schools Mental Health Coalition released a statement emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help when struggling with mental health.
In response, the LS Office of Guidance and Counseling (LSOGC) and Ateneo Bulatao Center went into detail about their protocols for intervention for mental health-related emergencies and student safety.
Clearing the air
Vice President for the Loyola Schools Maria Luz C. Vilches, PhD, clarified that the LS administration has not released statements on these cases because such situations are “very delicate.”
“The first priority of the administration is to respect the wishes of the family regarding disclosure or non-disclosure of information,” said Vilches.
LSOGC Director Gary A. Faustino added that the LSOGC has protocols for immediate intervention when a student is a danger to themselves or to those around them. He clarified that their office gets involved when they are notified of the incident by “proper authorities:” Barangay officials if the emergency is located off-campus and campus security guards if it happens within the LS.
The student is then asked to stay in the LSOGC so that they are given a “safe space,” where a guidance counselor can help the student process his or her struggle. The LSOGC also informs the student’s family of the incident.
Faustino encouraged students to inform authorities if ever they witness a mental health-related emergency instead of publicizing the situation in order to avoid irresponsibly sharing the details of incidents that may potentially trigger people.
“We keep [information surrounding the incidents] under wraps not because we want to keep it secret, but as a matter of respect,” Faustino remarked. “Everyone thinks everything is for public consumption, but it’s not.”
For cases that involve the death of a student and require further investigation, he said that these cases are kept confidential and are mostly handled by the family of the student involved. Faustino reiterated that the LSOGC is there for further assistance if certain details of the investigation require input from members of the University such as a student’s blockmates, classmates, or professors.
As the school processes these events, Ateneo Peers stated that the LS community should not be “rendered frozen” by the incidents that have occurred. They encouraged members of the community to take the opportunity to lead the conversation on mental health awareness and the protocols for handling mental health-related struggles.
Person for others
Aside from the LSOGC’s protocols, the University also has programs to build awareness and support for mental health.
In an effort to advocate for mental health awareness, Vilches initiated the Continuing Development Program for Mentors. The program organizes monthly workshops on active listening, mental health issues, and general mindfulness for LS faculty and staff members.
The Mental Health Coalition, which consists of Ateneo Psyche, Ateneo Peers, and the Sanggunian Commission on Mental Health, also collaborates with the LSOGC for various mental health awareness projects, such as Wellness Week and occasional forums or workshops.
To address the specific mental health concerns of members of the LS community, the LSOGC also offers free basic counseling handled by registered psychologists, psychometricians, and guidance counselors. On the other hand, Ateneo Bulatao Center Executive Director Karina G. Fernandez said that the Bulatao Center is available to students and teaching personnel who need professional assessments and therapy sessions from registered clinical psychologists. However, the Bulatao Center charges certain fees for students and non-teaching personnel who avail of their services.
“[We] hope our society can reach that point where we can openly seek counseling and psychotherapy without worrying what other people say,” said Fernandez.
