Forwards Beckon Rebound: Lighting the Path to Mental Wellness After Disaster

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In a world still learning how to breathe after disasters, small acts of presence, listening, and comfort are enough for those affected. As emotional wounds and mental distresses are not always visible as physical ones, they leave a silent yet deafening echo within.

In line with Mental Health Awareness Month, the Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Sikolohiya (SMS) in collaboration with the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, organized an event featuring insightful discussions and interactive booths focused on mental wellness. Carrying the theme "Kalinga Pangkaisipan: Pagtutok sa Kalusugang Pangkaisipan sa Panahon ng Kalamidad", the event aimed to shed a ray of hope amidst these challenging periods.

"Sobrang timely ng theme natin this year, especially with the recent disasters dito sa Pilipinas since hindi lang physically affected ang mga tao, we always have to consider how their psyche is doing," shared Sydnie Faith Quiambao, SMS President.

With this goal in mind, the SMS distributed whistles and mental health calling cards to participants—not just as memorabilia but as a functional tool that can aid them if need be.

Meanwhile, the event also featured a workshop seminar about Psychological First Aid, giving psychology students practical insights into how it can support communities in times of disaster.

"The seminar would hopefully spread more awareness about this, dahil bukod sa physical health, our mental health matters as much," she shared with conviction.

Despite its apparent success however, just like how rainbows do not light up the sky unless it rains, not everything goes according to plan.

"Supposedly, Monday pa sana kami nagkaroon ng preparations [for the event], kaso nagkaroon ng bagyo unfortunately, which is hindi maiiwasan," Sydnie said dismayed at the sudden shift of plans. "This is my first event as president, and since this is a big event, I was hoping na sana mahaba pa ang naging preparations namin [three days]," she added.

Yet, in spite of everything that transpired, they weathered through the storms–quite literally–and managed to accomplish an event that reached far beyond their expectations, leaving a sense of hope and care for the future of mental health and well-being.

"Despite everything, I am amazed and grateful that we [SMS] managed to pull the event off. I'm really happy with the event, kahit na hindi ako nakapag-participate myself. Seeing other people join and enjoying themselves really meant a lot," Sydnie said, smiling. She explained that she spent the day overseeing each segment of the program while attending her defense, leaving her no time to join the activities.

And perhaps that is where true transformation is: that one massive change can begin with a small step forward. An event that despite its initial uncertainty, serves as a meaningful stride towards a kinder, more mindful tomorrow.

"It's a step in the right direction, if we share it with other people it expands who else is aware, na hindi lang laro ang mental health." Sydnie ended. [F]

via Eissehj Fernandez, Staff Writer