LOOK | Mindanao State University celebrates World Mental Health Day 2024 with a focus on workplace Wellness
In observance of World Mental Health Day 2024, Mindanao State University – General Santos City reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental health awareness by hosting a meaningful event dedicated to workplace wellness. Organized by the Office of the Guidance Counselor in partnership with the Department of Psychology, the activity took place on October 30, 2024, at the CETD Audio Visual Room. With this year’s theme—“It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”—the event aimed to empower the university’s faculty and staff with knowledge, strategies, and practical tools to nurture a mentally healthy work environment. Selected faculty members attended the morning session, while administrative staff joined in the afternoon, ensuring focused, relevant discussions for each group. The program began with opening remarks from Ms. Hania-Persia F. Usman, RPM, Coordinator of the Office of Guidance Counseling. In her message, Ms. Usman highlighted MSU-GenSan’s unwavering commitment to mental well-being, emphasizing the university’s responsibility to create safe, supportive, and mental-health-friendly spaces for all employees. “Our faculty, staff, and every single person working for a living deserve a safe, mental-health-friendly space,” she noted, underscoring the importance of fostering opportunities that promote mental health on campus. The first learning session was led by Prof. Luz Doce, MA, Chairperson of the Department of Psychology, with her presentation titled “Boosting Workplace Wellness: Strategies for Employee Mental Health.” This session provided valuable insights on proactive approaches to cultivating a healthy work environment, encouraging participants to prioritize their own mental well-being and to recognize signs of stress among colleagues. Following a short health break, Prof. Renz Anthony Sumapal, MS, RPSY, also from the Department of Psychology, delivered “Empowering Teachers’ Mental Health and Well-Being Strategies.” His session offered faculty and staff targeted techniques for managing workplace stress, building resilience, and maintaining emotional balance, reinforcing the importance of self-care in professional life. Prof. Doce returned to conclude both sessions with closing remarks, urging participants to continue the dialogue on mental health beyond the day’s event. “The conversations we’ve started today must continue,” she stated. “By speaking openly about our experiences and challenges, we create a supportive community where everyone is heard and valued.” She also stressed the importance of dismantling the stigma around mental health, reminding attendees that a supportive workplace environment benefits the entire MSU community. The event ended with a strong sense of unity, solidarity, and shared commitment among faculty and staff to champion mental health awareness. It reflected MSU-GenSan’s ongoing dedication to fostering a supportive, resilient, and mentally healthy environment for all members of the university community.
