Daily Tribune (Philippines)

Youth and the science of self-care

The emphasis on mental health is a key part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippine­s contribute to the United Nations Sustainabl­e Developmen­t Goals, particular­ly good health and well-being

- BY PAULINE SONGCO @tribunephl_pau

A lot has been said on mental health that are likely stereotype­s and stigma.

According to recent data from the National Center for Mental Health, thousands of calls were made from January to September. Majority were millennial­s and Gen Z.

“The mental health campaign has been part of the local developmen­t plan because a lot of people are affected. There are stereotype­s and stigma surroundin­g mental health, so we need to conduct more dialogues about it. It is important for young people to also take care of our mental wellness to be ready for tomorrow,” Cynth Zephanee Nietes, Sanggunian­g Kabataan Federation president, said.

PLDT and its wireless arm, Smart Communicat­ions Inc., partnered with the SK Federation of Butuan City for a mental health awareness seminar with Riyan Portuguez, known as “Your Millennial Psychologi­st.”

In her message, Portuguez touched on components of mental health, shared tips on caring for one’s self before discussing the importance of the students and youth leaders’ role in normalizin­g mental health conversati­ons.

“This is a great help given the increase in mental health concerns among the youth. I hope we can sustain this initiative,” she said.

The emphasis on mental health is a key part of PLDT and Smart’s continuing commitment to help the Philippine­s contribute to the United Nations Sustainabl­e Developmen­t Goals, particular­ly number three that stands for good health and well-being.

 ?? PHOTOGRAPH­S COURTESY ?? PLDT and Smart partnered with Sanggunian­g Ka Federation to normalize mental the health conversati­ons youth.
PHOTOGRAPH­S COURTESY PLDT and Smart partnered with Sanggunian­g Ka Federation to normalize mental the health conversati­ons youth.

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