ADVOCATING FOR the movement of breaking free from mental health stigma, the Mental Health Coalition (MHC) celebrated the annual Mental Health Advocacy Week (MHAW) with this year’s theme, Alpas, last April 15 to 19.
Comprising the MHC are the Sanggunian Mental Health Commission (CMH), Ateneo Psyche, and Ateneo Peers. Leading MHAW preparations, Sanggunian CMH Co-Commissioners Anthea Toledo and Daniella De Guzman envisioned the event not only as a collaborative initiative but also one that encourages students to prioritize their well-being amid challenges.
“MHAW [is an effort] to foster a more open and safe environment for people to express themselves and to find healthier ways to cope and deal with emotions,” De Guzman elaborated.
Highlighting both action and awareness, Toledo disclosed that events were chosen to align with the students’ current needs for healthy coping mechanisms. For example, art therapy, origami making, and free snack booths were set up for students to destress.
Delving more into destressing mechanisms, a basic crochet-making workshop with crochet business owner Juju Santos was held last April 17. Moreover, a talk entitled “Navigating Emotionally Charged Conversations: Re-learning Compassion and Empathy” with Office for Social Concern and Involvement formator Keith Xavier Sazon will be held on April 30.
Photo courtesy of MHAW Core Team
Focusing on the importance of student participation, Toledo adds that all events from previous iterations were improved to ensure consistent engagement. In particular, the CMH launched “Humans 4 Humans,” a beneficiary art bazaar to showcase diverse community talents while fundraising for a mental health advocacy organization.
To extend its reach, the MHC also partnered with the Office of Guidance and Counseling to monitor and regulate the programs implemented in MHAW and provide support when needed.
In line with MHAW, Ateneo Peers also held Peers-for-All, a week-long fair that promotes solidarity and conversation on mental health. Additionally, Ateneo Psyche hosted Psymposia, a two-day event featuring seminars on psychological theories, practices, and mental health care from April 12 to 13.
Photo courtesy of MHAW Core Team
De Guzman said that with their joint mission and goals, the MHC aspired for these events to initiate further discussion on mental health, addressing the stigma concerning related issues.
“The effects of [MHAW] do [not] stay within the event. [We hope to] create more lasting impacts, [setting a foundation for] future initiatives,” De Guzman explained.
Notably, to continue raising awareness beyond MHAW, the CMH plans to continue implementing One Call Away, providing mental health subsidies, and managing their help desk. Moreover, Toledo mentions that the MHC is open to future partnerships with organizations that share in their vision and goal for awareness.
