In observance of the National Suicide Prevention Month, the Laguna State Polytechnic University-Los Baños Campus (LSPU-LBC) Guidance and Counseling Unit (GCU), in partnership with the Senior High School (SHS) Department, initiated a seminar entitled “Mental Health Matters: Mind full to Mindful, a coping prevention against suicide among Gen-Z,” at the LSPU-LBC Board Room, Sep. 24. 

The said initiative aimed to raise awareness and spark discourse on the mental health challenges faced by Gen-Z students. It also equipped the students with knowledge in managing mental health concerns to prevent suicide. 

“We aim to equip your mind with tools to cope with stress, anxiety, and other factors contributing to mental health struggles…Together, we hope to foster a supportive community, raise awareness, and promote emotional resilience to prevent suicide among students,” Dr. Flora H. Salandanan, Chairperson of the Office of Student Affairs Services (OSAS), stressed in her opening message. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Karen A. Manaig, Associate Dean of the College of Teacher Education (CTE), shared that in the Philippines, a significant percentage of Gen-Zs are likely experiencing mental health disorders. To help students manage these challenges, Dr. Manaig introduced the acronym HOPE, which stands for Help, Open-up, Prayer, Practice self-care, and Encourage each other.

She also stressed the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health, urging the students to take action. 

Dr. Manaig reiterated: “It is high time to break the silence, share your story, visit the guidance office, advocate for mental health awareness, and remind others that asking [for] help is a sign of strength, [and] not [a] weakness.”

The activity covered mental health topics such as recognizing signs of poor and good mental health; how to deal with individuals with mental health concerns; how to access mental health resources; barriers in seeking professional help; how to identify, manage, and refer individuals at risk of suicide; mental health myths and facts; and strategies in managing mental health concerns. These were discussed by Ms. Aimee B. Maloles, Registered Psychologist and Program Coordinator of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). 

As the seminar drew to a close, Mrs. Cristina E. Malabayabas, SHS Department Chairperson, thanked the participants and urged them to continue the conversation on mental health within the school and their communities. 

“Let’s keep this conversation about mental health alive. Together, we can build a community where mental health is prioritized,” she said. 

The activity was participated by Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) SHS students of LSPU and was facilitated by the Guidance and Counseling Unit headed by Ms. Mary Anne A. Alipao. 

The said seminar underscored the LSPU-LBC’s continuing commitment to creating a supportive environment for its students, ensuring they have access to the necessary mental health resources as they navigate their academic journeys and personal lives. ###