LA UNION CREATES COMMUNITY OF MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES
By: Joanna C. Guerrero, PIO | Photos By: PIO | Date: March 14-15, 2023
To increase mental health advocates and promote mental wellness literacy in the province, the Chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Labor and Employment, BM Joy R. Ortega, led a Psychological First Aid (PFA) program and Consultation Dialogue for Mental Health Workers and Organizational leaders on March 14-15, 2023.
This 2-day activity was the second part of the co-developed mental health program of BM Ortega and Better Today, an initiative and community platform powered by PLDT-Smart that aims to drive conversations on wellness and changemaking in the digital space.
The first day of training was held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Building of the Provincial Capitol, while the second day was at Lotus Valley, an emerging ecotourism site in Brgy Dasay, San Juan, La Union.
Representatives from various organizations, such as senior citizens, diocesan schools, public and private schools, provincial and city health offices, provincial disaster risk reduction and management offices, and barangay health workers, participated in the training, which consisted of four modules facilitated by Registered Psychometrician and Psychologist Riyan Portuguez, a content creator on the Facebook page Your Millennial Psychologist.
The modules discussed the Basics of PFA, proper delivery by PFA Volunteers, and techniques for helping people feel calm during stressful situations. The volunteers were also taught proper stress management techniques and self-care to ensure that they are emotionally stable when delivering mental health services. A PFA simulation was also conducted to test whether the participants could apply the theories they had learned in real-life situations.
BM Joy Ortega shared her journey towards being an advocate and expressed that she believes that every act, big or small, can serve others, emphasizing that a simple hug, smile, or greeting can make a difference. "Sometimes, validating a person's existence is enough to help them survive." The program aims to create a #StrongerLaUnion, following Governor Rafy Ortega-Davidβs call for #LaUnionProbinisiyanihan.
Ms. Lhyrvie Gabriel from the Provincial Health Office expressed her gratitude for the training, stating that it helped her learn to validate the emotions of every person. She further expressed her excitement to be part of the PFA pool of volunteers if ever Better Today La Union is organized.
To conclude the training, Lotus Valley owner, Mr. Toby Tamayo, taught the participants proper breathing and relaxation techniques and facilitated a guided meditation while SIFCARE offered free ear acupuncture to all participants.
In the next wave of Better Today: Psychological First Aid, trained participants will have the opportunity to select whom they wish to send for the next scheduled training.
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