May 29, 2020, Pasig City—As the coronavirus pandemic rapidly sweeps across the world, it is inducing a considerable degree of fear, worry, and concern in the population at large. Adults and children alike feel anxious about the uncertainty this pandemic brings.
In public mental health terms, the main psychological impact to date is elevated rates of stress and/or anxiety. But as new measures and impacts are introduced – especially quarantine and its effects on many people’s usual activities, routines or livelihoods – levels of loneliness, depression, harmful alcohol & drug use, and self-harm or suicidal behaviour are also expected to rise.
Pamilya Muna Pilipinas Inc. in partnership with the Philippines Without Orphans, Every Home for Christ, and Seaoil Philippines, Inc. delivered a free webinar entitled, “A Healthy Mind: Ensuring Stability for Myself and Others In Difficult Times.” Resource persons Robby de Luzurriaga, Regional Ambassador of World Without Orphans and his wife Monica, who is a counselor and taking up her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology shared their insights on how we can take care of our mental health in this time of pandemic and how we can also help others who are suffering from this illness.