Writer: Inez
Editor: Chris
Visual: Tatiana
Let’s face it, an 18-month lockdown cannot mean anything good for the mental health of Manila’s teenagers. The limits of being eternally bound at home with family inevitably serve as grounds for the increased likelihood of mental health issues.
Following the rise of the pandemic, teen mental health issues resulting in hospitalization increased by 30%, a shocking projection of COVID’s wrath on teenage lives. But in light of this, the International School of Manila’s newly established Mental Health Awareness Club came to life. Bringing matter to our minds, the Mental Health Awareness Club (MSA), Peer Counselors, Student Ambassadors, and Gender-Sexuality Alliance came together to present ISM’s first ever Suicide Prevention Week.
‘We are very passionate about learning how to cope with mental health,” says Senior founders Sunny and Cameron. “Our mission as an ISM club is to educate people about mental health.”
The club’s empowering decision to educate the community arose amidst the pandemic, as teenagers all over the world dealt with major changes in their lives, inducing shifts in their mental health. According to US census data, the withdrawal from on-campus school due to the pandemic severely increased the likelihood of depression for many. Freshman Connor agreed with this, stating how, “the pandemic negatively impacted my social interaction and therefore I struggled with my mental health.”
This might raise the question: How exactly would a virtual week bring true awareness to our mind’s limits and capabilities? The MHA lined up guests speakers, zoom buddy meetings, and open calls to break the taboo silence about suicide in this generation. With such hesitation to confront the sensitive topic, the MSA attempts to normalize dealing with mental health issues and the topic of suicide. By normalizing this, we, as a community, detach the unease and shame associated that may inhibit students from reaching out for help. This major step in destigmatizing the mental health conversation empowers students to validate their emotions and reach out to a close friend when feeling a little lower than usual.
In a time of such great mental upheaval, it is an uplifting measure to see the rise in empowerment of mental health awareness. In an age with so much uncertainty, being open with our communities creates networks of support for all bearcats. Bringing up the conversation on mental health and suicide prevention is so important, as the subjects have become so relevant in our lives. It is time we speak up; it is time we bring matter to our minds.
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