A webinar workshop titled “Thriving through Tough Times: Equipping the Self with Skills that Promote Mental Wellness” was held via Google Meet on September 2-3, 2021. This was the third and last installment of the webinar series on mental health.

The first part was implemented last May 6-7, 2021. This was specifically branded as “Mental Well-Being in the Workplace.” Meanwhile, the second part, “Psychological First-Aid,” was implemented last May 17-18, 2021. The first two trainings in the series were in collaboration with SLUC.

“This webinar-workshop aimed to raise awareness on the significant role of mental health in overcoming various life challenges in the time of the pandemic.” Ms. Aprille Joyce S. Galiste, one of the lead proponents, said during her statement of purpose.

“Particularly, this follow-up webinar-workshop series aimed to strengthen the positive results of the same webinar-workshop conducted during the first semester of the school year 2020-2021,” Ms. Galiste added.

“We believe that dealing and managing anxiety through thought reframing, regulating emotions through self-mastery, and expanding horizons of one’s personhood through new life skills are some of the major keys to making it to this pressing time of health crisis.” Ms. Aisha N. Sevilleja, also a lead proponent, added during a quick exchange.

During the first day of the training, Ms. Hannah Lyn P. Bautista, Psychologist III of the Department of Health – San Fernando, La Union highlighted the importance of self-care and resilience in maintaining a sound mental well-being. In the afternoon session, Mr. Jhun G. Himoldang, Guidance Head of National University Fairview underscored on the need to recognize our own emotions.

On the second day, Associate Prof. Erickson Amion of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa gave practical ways on using metacognitive skills in acknowledging and accepting the self. Finally, Mr. Kervin B. Kindipan, Psychometrician in the Department of Health – San Fernando, La Union led the participants to different artistic and expressive forms as therapeutic means to soothe one’s anxiety.

 In his message, Dr. Raul Sampaga, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (NLUC) expressed his hope that the college has contributed to the proactive movement to promote mental wellness especially in the workplace.

“I am hoping that the College of Arts and Sciences, and DMMMSU in general, did not only make a statement; rather, I hope that we have resonated advocacy. I hope that we imparted knowledge and made an impact.” Dr. Sampaga emphasized on his speech.  

Seventy-five faculty and staff from NLUC, SLUC, and MLUC simultaneously attended the training. (Jerald Saculles)