Despite the hectic kick-off of the university 117th Founding Anniversary Celebration, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) interposed a soft launching of the first ever Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Core Team with a Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Forum at the Miguel Romualdez Memorial Auditorium, February 19.

In response to the increasing suicide cases in the locality, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) organized a team that would cater advocacies and awareness to promote life preservation. 

According to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Core Team Head Prof. Arabelle B. Tenebro, speaker of the orientation on mental health and suicide prevention, what lies behind the team is an inspiration of a greater purpose where everyone is opt to commit and cling to life. 

“I have a fair share of what loneliness feels and to where it could possibly bring you, so I make sure that [you] feel important and that [you] are not alone, [you] are precious, and [you] are loved. Through this team, we can lend ourselves to anyone who feels alone and that they have us in their darkest days,” said Prof. Tenebro.

Said team is also a frontrunner of R.A. 11036 also known as ‘Mental Health Act,’ where the university brings the vanguards of mental health and holistic well being. 

“The organization of this team is anchored under R.A. 11036 or the Mental Health Act, which upholds to promote mental health and holistic well-being of students, faculty, and staff through designing and implementing activities which aim to provide psychosocial support and raise awareness on mental health issues particularly on suicide, depression, and anxiety,” Dr. Glenda Tupaz stated. 

In their commitment in the pursuit to eschew the alarming cases of mental health issues, the mental health and suicide prevention forum not only inculcated lessons but also took effort in checking on every individual’s well being and an opportunity to offer companionship. 

“After hearing the talk during the forum, it made me feel sad because I realized that I am under too much pressure in various aspects of my life. Thankfully, the talk helped us to understand ourselves and know that we are loved and precious, and that we are not alone. Now, I will give myself the time to assess what is happening if I feel pressured or stressed so that, it will not cause a lot of damage to my mental health and to my well being,” said fourth year Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) student Sheila Mae Vargas, a listener during the forum.

The team will further expand their activities for inclusivity of various colleges in the university, and will transition towards digital as well. 

Moreover, pioneering members of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Core Team are Prof. Arabelle Tenebro, Prof. Sarah Cajipo, Prof. Sherwin Españo, Prof. Frances Bernadas, and Prof. Angelli Marie Antoni. 

The event concluded with an open forum and an oath of commitment to uphold life where the listeners signed to cling to life.