CAPSUNIAN ECHO

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | 𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗦𝗨 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗦𝗬𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗜𝗗, 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟-𝗕𝗘𝗜𝗡𝗚 

by Kristine Jill F. Llegue & Lerry Bless N. Lagon 

Through a program called Healing Starts Here: A One-Day Program on Psychological First Aid and Holistic Well-being” Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias students gained holistic education that focused on promoting mental health well-being held on Oct. 28 at the CAPSU Burias Gymnasium.

The  Guidance and Counseling Office collaborated with Student Affairs and Services, and the Medical and Dental Services in implementing the initiative that fostered holistic development among students, and members of the faculty and stafff while equipping them with essential psychological first aid skills to support individuals in times of crisis through lecture and question-and-aswer sessions with experts.

In her interactive session, Dr. Caressa Lynn Siglos Tiglos, Guidance Counselor and Registered Psychometrician, underscored that mental health is a complex aspect of human well-being influenced by various factors.

 “When we talk about mental health, it’s not just one thing. We usually have the precipitating factor, but we have to remember the predisposing factor or the history of the person. Possibly they haven’t learned healthy coping skills or grew up in an unstable environment. Both factors then combine, which leads to problems that cause breakdown, depression, and lack of concentration,” Dr. Siglos explained.

To strengthen the participants’ understanding of Psychological First Aid, the program engaged student volunteers in case scenarios that simulated real-life situations, allowing them to apply the concepts discussed during the session.

Meanwhile, Ms. Kleah Marie Bienes, a Volunteer Missionary, tackled the spiritual dimension of well-being, and  reminded the students that faith plays a vital role in finding one’s purpose.

“God has put you in this position for a purpose... You are not defined by what other people say about you; rather, your value is rooted in God. The moment you accept Jesus, you are a child of God,” Ms. Bienes said.

The program also included an open forum wherein participants shared their insights and asked questions to further understand the discussion.