Having the mental health of the parents, students and teachers in mind during the present global health crisis, Limay Senior High School, through its ,Guidance Office headed by Mr. Rommel Arellano, showed that it cares to its stakeholders and teaching force as it held a free webinar entitled “Mental Health Awareness During Covid-19 Pandemic” that carried the topic “Helping Teachers and Students Through Psychological First Aid,” July 07, using the Google Meet platform.
This initiative is part of the school’s lined-up program for Brigada Eskwela 2020 new normal edition.
The discussion centered on providing Psychological First Aid (PFA) which is a supportive and practical assistance to others who are going through a serious stressor just like the current Covid-19 pandemic. It is a basic emotional and practical support to the target individuals.
PFA is a non-intrusive support for people who are encountering crisis events, including the different facets of struggle brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.
To provide the needed aid, Arellano underscored the 3Ls (Link, Look and Listen) as action principles in responding to individuals with mental health needs.
To “look” involves taking time to have a quick scan or “look” around to those who are needing help before offering one through observing their safety, their urgent basic needs, and knowing people with serious distress.
Arellano then expounded “listen” by saying that the helper shall approach the target persons respectfully, ask about their needs and concerns, and showing the willingness to listen and eventually help them feel calm.
Meanwhile, to “link” necessitates the provider to ask information from the target individuals about the root of the problem and how they connect to their social support. Eventually, Arellano noted the need to refer the target individuals to other services should they share practical problems, and end the conversation by emphasizing the essential issues discussed and the action points given.
Arellano opened the webinar by defining mental health as a state of well-being in which the individual displays resilience in the face of extreme life events, works productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a positive contribution to the community.
Another backgrounder that the Limay SHS guidance counselor cited was the educational institution’s responsibilities in ensuring that mental health is being observed within its premises by creating related policies and programs.
Arellano specified that the mental health-related policies and programs shall include correction of stigma/discrimination, promotion of the mental health awareness, identification and provision of support to individuals at risk, and facilitation of access of persons with identified condition for their treatment.
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