BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWDO) conducted mental health awareness seminar for members of Central Bontoc senior citizens and persons with disability.
Initiated by the Social Worker Field Practitioners from Cordillera Career Development College, the activity had the theme, “Managing the mental health of persons with disability and senior citizens amidst the pandemic.”
It aimed to promote mental health awareness to senior citizens and people with disabilities and to prevent negative social perceptions towards social services. It also promotes the sustainable and attainable mental health standards to ensure the well-being of participants amidst and beyond the Covid-19 through continuously supporting on existing policies on National Mental Health Responses and Improvement of Social Services on the community level.
Nicole Bryle F. Gut-omen, chairperson on Health of the Provincial Local Youth Development Council and a member of Silew Mental Health Support Group-Mountain Province served as the resource speaker.
The lecture focused on coping and overcoming mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression especially this Covid-19 pandemic.
She gave emphasis on proper self care, mindfulness, and coping mechanisms with things associated with mental health to help the participants value and appreciate the present situation and to be optimistic.
“As people age, they are more likely to experience several health conditions. The seminar was equipped to raise awareness on matters associated with mental health and to help the senior citizens and PWD sectors to overcome and cope with the challenges bought by Covid-19.
Victoria Tabora of the Provincial Social Welfare Office thanked the participants. – Valerie Taguba
