Catholic schools are reassured of the care of students’ mental health and personal wellness in celebration of World Teen Mental Wellness Day.
According to Veritas News, Rev. Fr. Daniel Estacio who is the current superintendent of Pasig Diocesan Schools System (PaDSS), stated that the Catholic schools and administrators in their utmost confidence will assist the students who may have experienced circumstances regarding their mental health.
“Sa mga kabataang nakakaranas ng mental health disorder lalo na sa mga nag-aaral sa catholic schools, huwag kayong mahihiyang magsabi sa inyong mga guidance counselors, sa inyong mga teachers, and even sa inyong mga parents. May mga ino-offer tayong mga intervention lalo na ang ating Catholic schools para matulungan kayo,” he said.
Fr. Estacio, who also spearheads Pasig Catholic College as president, mentioned that the Church not only protects the “spiritual” welfare of an individual but also as a “whole” by being consistently supportive to prioritize the wellness of the students to bring fullness in their lives.
“Bilang katolikong paaralan, ‘yan po ‘yung ating isa sa mga pangunahing pinagtutuunan ng pansin—the welfare of our students. Kapag sinabing welfare of our students, hindi lang physically, mentally, kundi buo, holistic—spiritual, mental, psychological, physical and emotional,” he added.
In a study from the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) titled “2021 Youth Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study”, 1 out of 5 young Filipinos contemplate suicide.
World Teen Mental Wellness is celebrated worldwide every March 2. The objective of this celebration is to primarily ‘raise awareness about the mental health issues that teenagers deal with’ and it is also ‘about making efforts to educate everyone and destigmatize something that is becoming increasingly common.‘ (Hazel Boquiren/RCAM-AOC | Photo from Radio Veritas)
