Mental Health Experts: Build Healthy Ties to Prevent Emotional Crises

Cagayan De Oro City — The Cagayan de Oro chapter of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), in partnership with Xavier University Psychology Department and XU Psychology Society, recently conducted a seminar on love, relationships, and emotional crises in connection with the World Suicide Prevention Day.

The seminar, held at the XU Little Theater, was attended by psychology faculty and students from XU, Lourdes College and Liceo de Cagayan University, including psychometricians, psychologists, and other mental health practitioners in the region.

In his message to the attendees, XU Psychology Dept chairperson Jason O. Manaois underscored the importance of building healthy relationships and communities in the prevention of suicides, particularly among the youth.

XU guidance counselor Mary Jane L. Belen kicked off the series of lectures with “Love and Relationship: Building Healthy Relationships,” where she asked a few participants of their definitions of love.

She then presented Sternberg’s “Triangle of Love” and the eight types of love; defined what dating is; and debunked some general misconceptions about love. At the end of her talk, Belen advised everyone “not to lose their sense of individuality when in love.”

In another presentation titled “Understanding Depression and Suicide,” Dr. Carolina Uno-Rayco said that when mental health is not promoted, mental disorder takes place.

She also clarified that depression is more than just being sad, contrary to how others define it. To aid in the discussion, she enumerated facts and symptoms of depression and suicide tendencies, and how these two are interconnected.

Rayco emphasized how psychology students and practitioners should be aware of these topics. “Psychology is a helping profession,” she said, adding that “we can beat depression because help is available.”

She also shared the hotlines of organizations that offer help to those who are experiencing emotional crises and in need of immediate assistance.

Both Philippine Mental Health Association and Natasha Goulbourn Foundation Philippines are private, non-stock, non-government organizations dedicated to the promotion of mental health and prevention of mental disorders. (Rio Rosal B Baliling/XU)