Matters of the Heart and Mind: Creating a Safe Space for Mental Health Discussions

By Randy Adriane Martin 

As part of the celebration for World Mental Health Day 2024, students from the seven colleges of Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) convened in a symposium titled “Matters of the Heart and Mind,” organized by the Office of Guidance and Counseling (OGC) to foster deeper conversations and provide a safe space for discussions about mental health on Thursday, October 10.

Exploring the topic of managing stress in romantic relationships, the workplace, academics, and everyday life experiences, the symposium enriched thought-provoking discussions that invited attendees to share their opinions on various situations, while also emphasizing the importance of respecting differing perspectives and promoting open-mindedness.

With the support of the event’s working committee, the Organization of Student Peer Facilitators (OSPF), the event successfully delivered engaging activities, including games like “Two Truths and One Lie,” “Green Flag or Red Flag,” and “Heart or Mind.” These activities challenged attendees’ thought processes while exploring their logical reasoning and emotional responses.

In previous years, the program was divided into two separate segments: “Matters of the Heart” and “Matters of the Mind.” However, this year, these segments were combined to recognize their interconnectedness, highlighting the importance of balancing emotional and logical aspects of life, which allows us to navigate personal challenges more effectively.

The aim of the symposium was to provide a platform for students to freely express their thoughts on matters of the heart and mind, as stated by Chrisa Marie Sialana, chairwoman of OSPF and a fourth-year BA Psychology student.

Ms. Tessally V. Saquin, RGC, the guidance counselor of the College of Engineering (COE), emphasized the importance of acknowledging and feeling one’s emotions when managing stress, rather than denying them. “You will realize that it’s just a storm, and you will get through it.”

The discussion underscored the importance of being not only intellectually aware but also emotionally mindful, as this enables us to better understand ourselves and manage stress in various aspects of our lives, reminding us that as students; we are not robots, but humans.

Keia Marie Penaso, a fourth-year BS Psychology student, expressed her thoughts on the importance of this symposium in celebrating World Mental Health Day. “This event […] is a reminder to everyone that, even though we have available guidance counseling, not everyone has the courage to go,” she said.

Adding to this sentiment, she stated that this free-for-all event is crucial as it offers a safe space for students to express themselves and listen to others, fostering a sense of relief.