The Home that Heals

“Mas gusto ko pa po tumambay dito kaysa umuwi ng bahay (I’d rather stay here than go home)” said one of the scholars of Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI) when I asked why she was still in the compound. Sadness was just one of the emotions I saw in her eyes. She resounds many young people like her who spend their free time in the vicinity of KKFI even the sun has already taken an off for the day. Her case is a contrast to what many people say that “There is no place like home”. She perceives home as not a happy place to go after a tiring day from school. This is a sad reality of many.

Our youth of today faces many challenges that the older generation like me sometimes cannot fully understand. We sometimes dismiss their utterances of disappointments with life and there are times that we neglect to respond to their call for help. I saw more and more young people post suicidal thoughts and even self-harm on their social media account. I have counseled several youths who cut themselves because of depression. Yes, mental health issues are real.

World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, as is able to make contribution to his or her community. According to a University of the Philippines Study on Depression, 96% reported experiencing an episode of depression, moderate to intense severity during their stay in school. Factors cited are school stress, family issues, relationship problems and lack of understanding from family and friends.

We are facing mental health crisis and we need to respond. Many will not be able to find healing inside their homes but we can provide a safe space for them – a home that heals. “Ako Para sa Bata Conference” taught me the following to respond to mental health issues that we can do:

1. Notice the warning signs

Those who are experiencing mental disorder may have the following signs:

• Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
• Seriously trying to harm oneself, or making plans to do so
• Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
• Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
• Involvement in many fights or desire to badly hurt others
• Severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
• Not eating, throwing up, or using laxative to make oneself lose weight
• Extreme difficulty concentration or staying still
• Repeated use of drugs or alcohol
• Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Drastic changes in the student’s behavior or personality

2. Seek help

There is on average a 10-year delay between young people experiencing their first symptoms and receiving help. We don’t need to wait for too long to seek for help. There are Centre for Mental Health, and other institutions that can provide help. The Department of Health (DOH) launched a national crisis hotline to assist people with mental health concerns ranging from counseling to psychiatric emergencies and suicide prevention: 917-899-USAP (8727)
0917-989-8727

 

3. Talk

We can save a life by talking to the people who are experiencing mental health disorder.

• Show you care and give them time and attention
• Be yourself and be prepared to listen
• Be non-judgmental, patient, calm and accepting
• Acknowledge the seriousness of the pronouncement
• Communicate concern and reassurance

4. Promote and practice positive mental health
   • Get physically active
   • Get enough sleep
   • Connect with others
   • Help others
   • Develop coping skills
   • Embrace spirituality
   • Get help if you need it
5. Ignite their passion

May it be in sports, arts, science, politics, caring for others and changing the world in positive ways, this can help to have a good mental health.

KKFI is striving its best to respond to the need of our Generation Z. It is a learning process how we can be a home that touches the heart and the mind. We are also called to reach out to families and promote mental health that more and more homes can be a place of restoration. We need to end the stigma.

I would like to add to the ways we can do to help our youth is to Pray for I-Gen. Our father in heaven is able to meet them where they are when we can’t and restore them in His hands. At the end of the day, He is our home – a home that heals.

Photo Credits: Tapiwa Mayonga