As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to induce fear among people, anyone in the Benildean community may be affected in this time of crisis. Due to less accessibility of mental health facilities with the pandemic lockdown, the Benilde Well-Being Center (BWC) has started to offer mental health services that Benildeans can access from their homes.

To help the Benildean community while they are on quarantine, BWC started to offer psychoeducation and telecounseling under telepsychology—giving psychological services that are accessible through using mobile devices, interactive videoconferencing, e-mail, telephone and the like.

Providing care despite distance

BWC presented two categories under the psychoeducation posts as a part of telepsychology namely, “Be Well Thoughts” and the “Be Well Notes” sent through Benilde mail and are posted on their Facebook Page.

BWC mentioned that the “Be Well Thoughts” are posted every Monday, sending statements designed to promote self-awareness and to boost one’s mood. Meanwhile, the “Be Well Notes” are posted every Thursday to teach new life hacks to Benildeans through snippets of information that were taken from articles and resources on well-being.

“Reading these posts can help Benildeans consider different ways of coping and creating adjustments starting from ourselves to others. These online posts encourage a positive and healthy mindset and hopefully, sharing these posts can boost someone else’s day,” they added.

On a weekly basis, they get a number of calls for consultation and telecounseling not just from students but also from associates, alumni, and parents. Furthermore, they also attended to some communities, particularly the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) frontliners and the homeless beneficiaries that were housed in Benilde through the DLS-CSB-PGH and De La Salle Philippines’ Project Safe Shelter.

Some students have reported physical symptoms like headache, dizziness, palpitations, and panic attacks. With the changes in their usual activities, they have also experienced psychosocial concerns such as concentration difficulties, lack of motivation, excessive worry and fear that affect their cognitive, affective and behavioral processes in their daily functioning.

Due to the negative effects that this pandemic can cause to mental health, BWC advised some coping strategies such as taking time to relax, being mindful of oneself and their surroundings.

BWC also mentioned that students can try to express emotions by writing about how they feel or talking to a trusted friend. The Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired (HALT) method was also suggested to reflect further on emotions:

• Hungry: Take the time to eat something, preferably healthy snacks, to ease intense emotions.
• Angry: Find the root of one’s anger and reduce it by engaging in relaxing activities like listening to music, meditating, or taking a shower.
• Lonely: Try new things for a time being can help one in lonely times.
• Tired: Taking a quick break or nap can help when feeling tired before dealing with concerns with a clearer and more calm mind.

The Kaagapay Volunteers Group (KVG), the student arm of BWC, has also released a Help Hotlines Directory containing emergency numbers, deaf consultation hotline, mental health hotlines, and list of organizations and professionals that can provide mental health assistance.

“In this challenging time, we are always there, as part of our mission, to respond to the well-being needs of all Benildeans. We regularly promote and advocate for all to have a sound mental health and holistic well-being,” BWC said.

This pandemic caused a great number of people to suffer in silence—failing to receive the support they need. Hence, BWC wants to remind the Benildean community that seeking help should be seen as a positive step that enhances one’s health and well-being. Aside from being able to look after one’s own well-being, it is also important that we help others who are in need of taking care of their mental health and wellness.

BWC is offering telecounseling service to the Benildean community. To set an appointment, you may reach them at:

• BWC Taft: 0961-5428454
• BWC SDA: 0918-4053381
• BWC AKIC: 0961-7258481
• Email: bwc@benilde.edu.ph
• Facebook: @BenildeWellBeing and @Benilde.DeafUnit

For counseling referrals, BWC recommends contacting them here.