CASSpeaks: World Mental Health Day 2024

By Kayrel Madlos, Jazel Ann Maghilum, and Andrea Alexa Barga

As students, we often let ourselves fall deep into a plethora of endless workloads. For some, this becomes the accepted reality of student life, where we ignore the fact that our minds need nourishment just as much as our bodies. On October 10, 2024, as we celebrate World Mental Health Day, we decided to flip the script and take a moment to reflect on this reality. In this edition of CASSpeaks, we set out to uncover the hidden habits that keep our mental well-being afloat in the sea of deadlines and demands. With that in mind, we asked a simple yet necessary question: What is one habit that helps you maintain your mental well-being as a student?

“Through those little moments of silence from the online world and from other people.”

Haya G. Mamao, a second-year BS Psychology student, emphasizes the importance of disconnecting. During her free time, she puts her phone on Do Not Disturb mode, allowing her to focus on self-reflection. For Haya, these moments of silence offer her the opportunity to look back on what she can improve as a person, helping her grow day by day. She believes that taking these small breaks from the online world and people helps her stay centered and better handle the demands of university life.

“Disconnecting plus reconnecting is really [about] knowing and identifying your priorities.”

For Heather Simonette Rose M. Intong, a second-year BA Political Science student, balance is key. This year, she made the decision to step away from her numerous organization commitments to prioritize her mental health. With the heavy workload of her major subjects, Simonette found it necessary to take a break, but she looks forward to reconnecting with her passions in the future. She emphasizes the importance of knowing when to disconnect and when to reconnect, and understanding her priorities as a student and a young adult.

“Catching up with my friends or hanging out with my friends helps me the most.”

Second-year BA Literary and Cultural Studies student Jodell Michael C. Francisco links his mental well-being to his interactions with others. Jodell, who is extroverted by nature, finds solace and tranquility in spending time with his loved ones. These interpersonal connections, whether they be through lighthearted chats with friends or meaningful dinner conversations with his family, help him maintain a balanced mental state amid his academic life.

“Every time maka-feel ko ug struggles sa academics at sa life, ga-drawing jud ko.”

Edgar B. Señoron Jr., a second-year BA Filipino student, turns to art as a way to support his mental health. Since childhood, drawing has been his passion. Now, as a student, he uses it as a stress reliever and a means of emotional expression. Edgar feels that creating art allows him to communicate his emotions and provides a sense of comfort during times of academic pressure and personal struggles.

“In order to maintain my mental health as a student, I’d probably go back to my grandmother hometown.”

For Pennieloppie Ceeloj T. Emia, a second-year BS Philosophy student, returning to her grandmother’s home sets her mind at ease. Away from the hectic schedule, the haven surrounded by nature has always been a home she looks forward to going back to. She feels that, at least there, she can escape the rat race and simply relax with Mother Earth in their arms.

“Kung magsayaw-sayaw mi, mawala among stress.”

Rey Anthony Z. Abucayon, a third-year BA History student, shared that dance, through his organization IPAG, has helped him maintain his mental well-being. Daily practice allows him to express his emotions through movement and serves as a healthy outlet for stress, with an artistic touch.

“Using to-do lists kay makahelp siya’g organize sa activities and thoughts nako para di mag procrastinate og cram.”

Lastly, Gwendelene Abecia, a second-year BA Sociology student, shared that one routine that helps her is getting organized with to-do lists. These lists help align her priorities and prevent her from falling into procrastination or cramming. She noted that writing down her thoughts and activities has been effective in supporting her mental well-being.

In celebration of World Mental Health Day this year, students from the seven societies have come together to join in the fun of unwinding and taking the time to step back for a moment. Speaking of taking the time, each of us has different ways of spending it, and it is important to note that we should be mindful of what we do with it. Every second may be worth a token, but investing in ourselves for a lifetime is priceless. After all, big things come from small beginnings, and every habit starts with a single, tiny decision that could turn your life around.