Project AWAREness: Closing the Gaps, Dispelling Stigmas

by Jhia Perez

Annually, we commemorate World Mental Health Day to raise awareness and to acknowledge the struggles and strengths of individuals who overcome mental health challenges.

The visibility of mental health issues surrounding us seems to increase throughout the years. A nationwide survey on Filipino youth led by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) and funded by the Department of Health (DOH), found an alarming spike from 2013 to 2021 in terms of the proportion of adolescents who often feel symptoms of depression.

"Mental health issues continue to rise among the Filipino youth with a majority of those are from millennials and Gen Z" Dr. Joan Mae Perez Rifareal, a psychiatrist, expresses her statement in a previous ABS-CBN news interview. Statistics and former reports also show that students are the most affected by mental health issues globally. Balancing educational responsibilities while also managing mental health disparities has worsened the stress of many students. Individuals may struggle with managing their time effectively, prioritizing tasks, or setting an effective study routine, leading to exhaustion, burnout, or anxiety. These challenges can be exacerbated by the negative effects of stigmas concerning mental health, and hence, performing poorly in their course work, and task activities.

Mental health is frequently misconstrued, if not universally so, invalidating numerous experiences and individuals afflicted with anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia, and other mental health concerns. The stigmatizing connotations associated with mental health labels contribute to the already poor comprehension of the subject matter among the general public. Mental health encompasses an individual's overall well-being and not just the mere presence of a disorder– all the more mental health awareness should be raised.

There remains a scarce number of mental health programs in the Philippines targeted at psychoeducation and providing more sustainable support for individuals who are struggling with mental health. Thus, it is essential to cope with this already given issue by not giving up on walking the talk in advocating for mental health and hope to become ripples to move forward with real change and development.

Recognizing this need, the Office of Guidance Counselor (OGC) in collaboration with Student Peer Facilitators-Learning Assistance Volunteers (SPF-LAV), has made efforts to support those people who are experiencing mental health challenges and to address all forms of stigma on mental health. A series of open talks were conducted following the institute's celebration of World Mental Health Day 2023. These discussions allow IITians to share their experiences and fresh perspectives about mental health. Open mic discussions promote more normalization of conversations surrounding mental health concerns, which are often kept in secrecy. Moreover, the MSU-IIT Psychology Society organized a two-week-long celebration of mental health at the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) on October 16-27, 2023. The Psychology Society specifically points out the essence of succeeding events and interactive booths in embracing the importance of talking more about mental health and seeking help when struggling, with the hopes of cultivating more self-care for students, staff, professors, and other key figures in the institute.

Mental health matters and it begins with awareness. Let us create project awareness, break the stigma, and educate individuals about the reality of mental illness. Every one of us can make a difference, and to take that part is to start by working on oneself. Though it may appear as a modest effort, its potential to reshape attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors can profoundly shift the narrative on forgoing important discussions that surround the matter. This transformation not only fosters awareness but also dismantles the damaging stigmas associated with mental health. World Mental Health Month serves as a reminder that the fight against mental health stigma is an ongoing mission, extending beyond mere observance. It is a collective responsibility involving each and every one of us. After all, drawing words from this year’s theme — mental health is a universal human right.