Tag: Mental Health

  • Mental health, volunteerism take center stage at ‘Mad Talks Padayon’ event

    In its continuing mission to bring the Filipino youth together through volunteerism, as well as spread the gospel of servant leadership and the culture of bayanihan amid challenges, nonprofit organization I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) is reviving its Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards-recognized “MAD Talks” event, happening on October 22 at the RCBC Plaza, Makati.

    Square MAD Talks Padayon

    Dubbed as “MAD Talks presents: Sa Ngayon, Padayon. (Kwentuhan. Kantahan. Kabayanihan.)” and created in collaboration with digital creator and witty shirts brand Linya-Linya, this gathering on volunteerism will highlight the spirit of resilience and positivity that comes from purpose. ‘Padayon’ is a term used in several Visayan languages (Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Waray, and more), which means to move on, carry on, or move forward. Regardless of how challenging the situation is, there will always be a reason to bounce back, move forward, keep going, and continue helping and making a difference.

    Taking the center stage at MAD Talks Padayon event is mental health, just in time for the celebration of the World Mental Health Month in October. With the pandemic having a considerable impact on people’s mental health,I am M.A.D. hopes to raise awareness on this prevailing issue, especially among the Filipino youth and young adults. It will also open a discussion on the positive impact of volunteerism on mental health, especially how it can bring meaning and purpose to one’s life while improving self-esteem and well-being.

    “The pandemic has spurred an important conversation about the need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others, too. At I am M.A.D., we hope to address mental health issues in an empathetic way, with a unifying voice, helping everyone feel hopeful by empowering them to take action and create lasting change through our MAD Talks Padayon event,” said Christian Marx Rivero, co-founder and chairman of I am M.A.D.

    Rivero, who is also a recognized United Nations Youth Leader and is one of the speakers, added that the theme “Sa Ngayon, Padayon” reminds everyone to push through their journey in life and continue believing that they can do something meaningful even in the face of uncertainty.

    Headlining the event to share their personal experiences and anecdotes are: H.E.L.P. Pilipinas founder Dra. Mildred Vitangcol; peace and development champion and counter-terrorism operator Capt. AJ Ramos Celestial of the Philippine Army; women empowerment advocate and I am M.A.D.’s chief of volunteer operations Ruth Butad; multi-awarded Global Youth Leader and ASEAN Youth Advocates Network founder Mirus Ponon; Outstanding Volunteer-recipient and I am M.A.D.’s co-founder and chief executive volunteer Maco Ravanzo; and mental health advocate Ymari Kristia Pascua whose story was featured on ABS-CBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya” program.

    Also expect a grand musical treat from Jose Rizal University’s Teatro Rizal that includes GMA’s The Clash alumnus and ABS-CBN’s Tawag ng Tanghalan contender Kyle Pasajol and a special performance from Tawag ng Tanghalan four-time defending champion Vanessa Celestial.

    Regarded as “Your Ultimate Hugot Event,” MAD Talks welcomes everyone, whether part of the volunteering community or not, including students, leaders, educators, and young professionals, as it promotes a safe space to share, support, and socialize.

    MAD Talks presents: Sa Ngayon, Padayon. is happening on Saturday, October 22, 2022, 12:30PM at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, 4/F RCBC Plaza in Makati City. Get ready to be inspired with stories of struggles and survival (Kwentuhan), be entertained with soulful songs (Kantahan), and believe in the ‘MADgic’ of volunteerism (Kabayanihan). Reserve your seats at bit.ly/MADTalksPadayon. Ticket price is PHP 249.00 inclusive of a bottle of coffee, tote bag, and donation to I am M.A.D. programs. Student rate is available at PHP 149.00.

    MAD Talks Padayon is co-presented by the Rotary Club of Makati Uptown, Rotary District 3830, and H.E.L.P. Pilipinas, in cooperation with CID Communication, Creative Adobo, Itemhound, and JRU – Teatro Rizal. This event is likewise supported by the National Youth Commission – Youth Organization Registration Program (YORP), along with the following media partners: BusinessWorld, ClickTheCity.com, CSR Insights, DigitalFilipina.com, Inquirer Group of Companies (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Super, Inquirer.net, Inquirer Mobile), Mellow947.fm, Metropoler.net, Mindanao Times, Now You Know PH, PageOne Media, SwirlingOverCoffee.com, The Manila Times, The New Channel, WhenInRizal.com, and WhenInManila.com as the primary blog partner.I am M.A.D. relies on the goodwill of people through fundraisers and the power of social media. Support the organization by donating through bit.ly/bidadonate. For updates, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities, send an email to iammadph@gmail.com. Follow and message I am M.A.D. on Facebook (fb.com/IamMakingADifference), Instagram/Twitter/Tiktok (@iammad_ph), Youtube (bit.ly/IamMADYoutube) and podcast via anchor.fm/iammad or bit.ly/MADTalksSpotify.

  • Globe, KonsultaMD team up to provide free mental health support 

    Are you feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious? You are not alone. Globe and telehealth services company KonsultaMD understand that it is difficult to get access to mental health services nowadays, that is why they are teaming up to provide you with the mental health support you need. 

    KMD

    For the rest of 2022, Globe and KonsultaMD are providing Filipinos with free health consultations with a licensed psychologist on the KonsultaMD app. The service is available to anyone and is accessible by using the code GLOBECARES. Once the App is opened, users can simply log in the code to redeem the voucher, which includes one free call without a time limit. The promo will be valid until the end of the year.

    “During the pandemic, mental health has been a recurring issue across all ages and socio-economic sectors. This is why we have tapped KonsultaMD to bring affordable yet professional mental health support delivered through a highly accessible platform.  We want to help our customers ease their personal burden,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at Globe.

    “We want Filipinos to know that they are not alone, asking for help is a form of strength. Our doctors are always ready to listen and assist them anytime they need someone to talk to. KonsultaMD remains committed to making consultations accessible to those who need them through our platforms and programs,” shared Cholo Tagaysay, KonsultaMD CEO.

    Globe and KonsultaMD have been consistent ambassadors for mental health through their projects promoting free mental health activities and support avenues. 

    Last year, Globe rolled out the #PlantHappinessPH initiative to show Filipinos that there will always be hope and happiness no matter how difficult a situation may be, as millions grappled with the impact of the lingering pandemic.

    It also partnered with the Department of Education for TAYO Naman! (Tulong, Alaga, Yakap at Oras para sa mga Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyon), an online mental health and psychosocial support program for all education stakeholders under Globe’s Global Filipino Teachers Program.

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    As an advocate of mental health for a decade now, Globe has programs such as the HOPELINE suicide prevention and crisis support desk created by New Good Feelings.  For its employees, Globe has partnered with Australia-based Virtual Psychologist (VP) for HopeChat, a mental health consultation platform. 

    On the other hand, KonsultaMD has partnered with 2016 Miss International Kylie Versoza, Mental Health Matters (MHM) founder. The two organizations held a month-long “Be Kind To Your Mind” campaign to spread awareness about the importance of mental health.

    KonsultaMD helps democratize health for all Filipinos everywhere. It is a telemedicine service that provides 24/7 access to licensed doctors to address general and mental health concerns via chat, voice, or video call. The KonsultaMD app is currently available for download on Google Play, the AppStore, and AppGallery.

    The Globe Group, including KonsultaMD, strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 3, which ensures healthy lives and promotes the well-being of people of all ages, as well as UN SDG 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. It upholds the UN Global Compact Principles and contributes to 10 UN SDGs.

    To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.  For KonsultaMD, go to http://bit.ly/DownloadKMD.

  • 8 Video Games That Deal with Loss, Grief, & Depression

    For most of us, video games mean fun and entertainment, but since the rise of indie games, more and more titles have started to explore stories that can communicate with the players on a very emotional level. Some of these games touch on serious themes about mental health such as loss, grief, and depression, making them relatable to the players who are under the same circumstances while giving those who have not experienced them a glimpse and understanding of these feelings.

    If you want to give such games a try, then we’ve got the list for you! Below are some video games that will put you in the shoes of characters searching for a way out of their internal struggles.

    GRIS

    Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, & iOS

    GRIS is a beautiful platformer that’s free of danger, frustration, or death. Presented in a mesmerizing watercolor style for its graphics, this puzzle adventure takes the player to the crumbling world of a young girl who is dealing with a painful experience in her life. While there are no dialogues, Gris uses its captivating visuals to tell an emotional story that can still be picked up by the players even without the use of words.

    Spiritfarer

    Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox

    Spiritfarer is a management simulator where you farm, mine, fish, harvest, cook, and craft your way across mystical seas. But what makes this game stand out from similar titles from the genre is its rich stories that will surely leave a mark on you. You play as Stella, who is the ferry master for the deceased. As you sail the seas, expanding your boat as you progress, you also have the opportunity to get to know your passenger spirits before you say farewell and release them into the afterlife.

    To The Moon

    Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS

    To The Moon is a story-driven top-down RPG that explores the life of a man on his death bed. It follows Dr. Rosalene and Dr. Watts whose job is to give people another chance to live, even if only in their heads before their deaths. In this particular story, the two doctors must traverse an old man’s past to find out the reason for his final wish, and make it come true. His dying wish? To go to the moon. This indie game offers a brilliant story sprinkled with surprising twists, humor, and very heartwarming moments that have left many players in tears.

    That Dragon, Cancer

    Available on PC, Android, & iOS

    This immersive, narrative-driven game delivers a heartwrenching yet beautiful tale that’s based on a true story. A video game developer’s love letter to his young son, Joel, That Dragon, Cancer takes players on a poetic retelling of Joel’s 4-year fight against cancer. It delivers a personal memoir with audio taken from home videos, spoken word poetry, and touching themes of faith, hope, despair, helplessness, and love.

    Omori

    Available on PC

    Omori takes players on an adventure that is vibrant and grim, and bizarre and surreal at the same time. While it looks like an out-of-this-world journey at the surface, this title is actually a psychological horror game that depicts a young hikikomori– people who lock themselves up in their bedrooms, isolated from the world. As Omori explores his world helping others, he wonders why his friends would still want to be with him, and tries to recall an important someone who he seems to have forgotten.

    Florence

    Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android

    Florence offers an interactive story that puts players in the shoes of the titular character and her life experiences that are so rooted in reality, many would easily relate and feel the girl’s joys and pains even with the lack of in-game text. At the age of 25, Florence feels stuck in an endless loop of work, sleep, and scrolling through social media. Everything changes when she falls in love with the cellist Krish, who gives color to her life. The players then join Florence and Krish in the journey of their relationship, as they grow together, and soon grow apart. With a story that lasts in just 30 minutes, Florence is short but it definitely succeeds in giving players an intimate and heartfelt experience.

    Actual Sunlight

    Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, & PlayStation Vita

    This game bares a dark and bleak story with themes of depression and suicide that may not be suitable to players sensitive to such topics. The game makes players live the life Evan Winter, an overweight, lonely, and depressed young professional. As Evan struggles with his career, family, and love, he is also searching for his purpose in life. As the negatives pile up, the protagonist’s hopes of pressing on with life continues to dwindle. Delivered almost entirely in text, Actual Sunlight offers a very story-driven experience with little gaming mechanics.

    Night in the Woods

    Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and iOS

    Night in the Woods is a colorful adventure game about exploration that features anthropomorphic animals with human problems. The game follows the college dropout Mae Borowski, who returns to the her hometown Possum Springs to resume her former life and reconnect with friends. But Mae would find that the people she knew have all grown and changed– and there’s something hidden in the woods. Dive deep into the rich stories of this game’s characters and let their lives connect with yours in this emotional rollercoaster of a game.

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