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In the face of challenges brought about by the COVID-19, it is common for everyone to experience increased levels of stress and anxiety. Everyone is vulnerable to negative mental health effects, particularly during social isolation. Here are strategies and resources on what you can do to practice self-care and help manage your own mental well-being.
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#InTouchStoriesofHopeBy: Kaya RavinaIn Touch Mental Health Volunteer
When I was in second year high school, I suffered from a long bout of depression brought by the sexual abuse which started at five years old and continued until I was in high school. From being a student leader and poised to become the batch valedictorian, I started neglecting my studies. I skipped classes and exerted minimum effort if I was pressed to attend some at all.
Through the years that followed, I sought relationships which further undermined my (almost) non- existent self- esteem. I unconsciously chose people who took advantage of me. I thought that being compliant would make me lovable, that people would stay. I did everything I thought would make them stay but failed miserably. Each time someone left, which was another confirmation of my worthlessness, I was devastated. A conversation with my daughter that I would always remember was the time she complained that her nose was not as nice as her cousins’. Growing up, I did not like my nose either. My legs, my hair, my height, were not satisfactory as well. Perhaps I failed to realize my uniqueness because each time someone would point out something likable about me, my mother would immediately counter it in the spirit of modesty. A lady neighbor would say, “You have beautiful legs.” My mother would reply, “But it’s not nicely shaped”. Someone else would pipe in, “Your hair has a nice bounce to it.” She would retort, “I’ve told her (referring to me) to have it cut because it’s already summertime.” Those seemingly innocent remarks from my mother made a deep impression on my young mind. Hence, I was mostly an unhappy child. Since that conversation with my daughter, I have resolved to myself that she would grow up accepting and loving herself fully. She would believe that she could be anything she wanted to be. I do my best to express my love for her and admiration for her unique gifts and talents each day. I celebrate with her whenever she praises herself after having finished her tasks suitably. Things seemed to have finally turned out for the better until ten years later, my old friend depression visited again when a personal catastrophe happened. I wish I could say that I knew better that I had better coping skills. But no, I spent several months inside my room, overwhelmed by the searing pain in my heart. Yet again, the fact that I am responsible for my daughter and the entire household pulled me out of my hiding. I was browsing the Internet for the contact numbers of a helpline in the Philippines. Instead of calling their responder for some advice, I found myself inquiring about their volunteer training program. Perhaps what I needed then was distraction. It was a meaningful distraction. The tools and techniques we learned during the classroom training and practicum are of immense help in delivering the best service to our clients amidst the COVID- 19 pandemic. Additionally, I draw from my own wealth of experience and guide them to think of exceptions and small steps towards their desired future state. Whenever someone thanks me for listening and helping them explore all the available options, whenever they laugh before we end the conversation after having cried at the start due to feelings of helplessness, I am reminded that even if I may be struggling myself at times, I can still help others in my own unique way. It might be surprising to some, but I feel helped every time I am able to help someone in need. I am inspired by our clients’ determination to improve their financial situation, relationship, or work condition despite these trying times. I still have a long way to go before I can finally declare I am fully healed but I have already travelled far from where I used to be. The journey from sexual trauma to depression to personal triumph is an uphill climb fraught with detours, roadblocks, and others but I charge forward. You can, too.
#InTouchStoriesofHope aims to bring you mental and emotional relief during the COVID-19 pandemic through the inspiring stories and perspectives of In Touch community of counselors, volunteers, partners, and clients.
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#InTouchStoriesofHope By: Jerico RomanaIn Touch Mental Health Volunteer
#InTouchStoriesofHope aims to bring you mental and emotional relief during the COVID-19 pandemic through the inspiring stories and perspectives of In Touch community of counselors, volunteers, partners, and clients.
#InTouchStoriesofHopeBy: Gazelle SerranoIn Touch Mental Health Volunteer
my mind to buy his produce as I neared him. The lady in front of me must have been equally stirred, though, as she purchased all the goods he was holding before I can even traverse the remaining distance. When I asked him if he still had some remaining produce to sell, he cheerfully showed me the empty makeshift basket strapped to his bike, and replied, “Naku, ubos na, Ma’am”. I can sense the triumphant smile behind his face mask. He gets to go home early on this good day.
The encounter would have ended there, but he surprised me with a small chat before we parted ways. Mindful to observe physical distancing as we talked, he shared about how he was actually helping sell his neighbor’s garden produce by coming to the same spot in front of the grocery store every day with the fresh harvest in tow. I smiled at that thought. Here was a man who stayed in touch with his neighbors, lending a helping hand in ways that he could, inviting us to reignite our sense of community one bag of okra at a time. Just like that, I came home from that grocery trip with a smile and a gentle reminder that we do not need to wait for the day when we can finally hold grand get together events, volunteer drives or big social ceremonies to revive the life of our community. It is already alive in every simple encounter we have, perhaps with our neighbor or the delivery guy knocking on our door. Greet them back warmly, have a small chat, and send them off with a smile. Observe the safety measures in place while making the most out of these brief moments. After all, you are a vein through which the life of the community flows. Let that life flow freely.
#InTouchStoriesofHope aims to bring you mental and emotional relief during the COVID-19 pandemic through the inspiring stories and perspectives of In Touch community of counselors, volunteers, partners, and clients.
Gazelle Serrano is a mental health (MH) advocate who believes in the invaluable contribution of the arts in fostering support for the MH cause. Since 2016, she has lent her stories to various events that splash together the arts and MH advocacy, some of which include Buhay Movement's open mic events, van Gogh is Bipolar's Love Project and Daniel dela Cruz' Finding the Light Testimonials. Gazelle volunteers with In Touch Community Services for its Community Support Program. |
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