By: Daniela H. Hipolito
In observation of the National Mental Health Month, Malayan Colleges Laguna, A Mapúa School’s Center for Guidance and Counseling (MCL-CGC), in collaboration with MCL’s College of Arts and Science (CAS) Student Council, MCL-CGC Peer Facilitator’s Club, and the official academic organization of B.S. Psychology, Ugnayan ng Malayang Sikolohiya (UGMASIKO) held an event last October 2021 about raising awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues virtual event titled You Matter: MCL Mental Health Awareness Month that was filled with new knowledge and enjoyment due to the activities prepared and offered for the whole MCL community.
The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis that has had a negative impact on student life. Nobody was ready since no one anticipated this to happen, and it heavily impacted the mental health of a lot of people, including the students. Everyone has challenges in life that may be detrimental to their mental health. It has never been more important to understand that one’s mental health is a significant component of one’s entire health and well-being and that mental ailments are treatable.
The Mental Health Program, in compliance with R.A. 11036, is one of the services provided by MCL-CGC which aims to offer mental health programs to the MCL community and give a platform to spread accurate information about mental health through events like webinars and seminars (inviting mental health professionals to speak about current issues in mental health that are helpful to the MCL community), information dissemination services through posters, infographics, brochures, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Courses in Blackboard Learn Ultra and other means.
MCL-CGC constantly reminds the students that they matter and that there is support available. It is significant to their students if ever they find themselves in a challenging position to reach out to their support system, whether it be their family, friends, community, or significant others. To those who belong to the system of assistance, simple words like “Kumusta ka?” may provide a window of hope for those who have mental health issues.
The MCL-CGC is always open to helping and advising students on how to assess themselves, maintain a balanced and healthy personality, succeed academically, and improve their basic life skills to be well-adjusted and highly functional individuals.
With the question “What can MCL CGC say about the students who struggle with managing their mental health?” CGC sent a message to the MCL community by saying, “Dear Malayans, the Center for Guidance and Counseling offers comprehensive guidance and mental health program, if you find yourself you need someone to talk to, even about anything under the sun, just to release some stress and you need someone to listen to you, send us a message to book for your counseling session. Remember that #CGCcares.”