AdU Guidance Office supports Mental Health Law
Date Posted: January 21, 2019 at 10:28 AM
In support of the Mental Health Law, otherwise known as RA 11036, the Center for Guidance, Counseling, Placement and Testing Services has come up with the initial interview of the students who filled up the Personal Data Form (PDF).
The PDF asks for the student’s personal background such as home address, family, parental background, grade average and info about mental health. It is essential for the guidance counselors because it is the basis for counseling. The students were free to come to the guidance office of their respective colleges where the counselors are always available for personal or academic counseling. A strong referral system is also encouraged among faculty members, co-academic personnel and administrators to assist students in need of counseling particularly on mental health-related issues.
The Guidance Office also gives guidance orientations and seminars with mental health topics for the students to be aware and ready if they will encounter it or they know someone who have problems so that they can refer them to the guidance counselors. It has also established a strong collaboration through partnerships with several psychological clinics for intervention and assessment.
Mental health involves being emotionally, psychologically, and socially sound. President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11036 in June 2018 to propose to the Filipinos what is mental health and what benefits or access it can help with their emotional or personal problems.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, author and sponsor of the Mental Health Bill in October 2016 said, “I am glad and honored to be a messenger of hope for the numerous mental health professionals, persons with mental health concerns, youth and students who lent their voice in order for this landmark legislation to see the light of the day.” She observed that every day, seven Filipinos turn to suicide and one in five Filipino adults also suffer from a form of mental disorder.
Depression and suicide are very “famous” among the youth today. In fact, known personalities in the Philippines like Antoinete Taus, Jerika Ejericto and Kylie Versoza had mental health issues.
Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa, who was diagnosed with clinical depression, shared her story. She said, "My story started 3 years ago, when I was diagnosed as clinically depressed. I was very fortunate enough that I had the right support group and support system, and just enough means to get through my depression. But it wasn't easy. I did not know what I was going through and not everyone understood it. After finding the right help and getting the right treatment, after trying several, I was able to treat myself naturally without medication."
Now, Ms. Kylie Verzosa is a Mental Health advocate, making people realize that it is okay to ask for help and break through the stigma.
