Makati City, Philippines – Virlanie Foundation, Inc. residents participated in a Mental Health Literacy: Awareness, Management, and Prevention training conducted last February 1, 2021. This training was organized by the Psychological Services Program (PSP), in collaboration with the Independent Living Program (ILP) that aims to achieve five objectives:
1. To build awareness among Virlanie residents the prevalence of mental health problems;
2. To teach the signs and symptoms of mental health illnesses;
3. To alleviate the stigma associated with mental illness;
4. To promote help-seeking behaviors and emotional well-being practices, and;
5. To prevent self-harming or suicide among youth.
“We have used psychoeducation discussions through games, and group sharing guided by processing and reflection questions with our participants,” said Valerie Fernando, PSP Lead Psychologist.
The pandemic has greatly challenged the Foundation in conducting activities to its beneficiaries, but the Virlanie staff members remained committed to their duties in providing the best services to its youth and children.
“This activity already kickstarted last year. But due to the pandemic, we had restrictions when it comes to the number of participants. Executing the activity is challenging, however, we are glad to push through with it until now,” said Jessica Lagatic, Virlanie ILP Coordinator.
It was indeed a fun and fulfilling activities to Virlanie participants despite the small group sessions together. Virlanie remains proud in advocating for the good mental health of all children, especially in these trying times.