3 August 2020, Phnom Penh – The Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh organized an online seminar on mental health during the pandemic, as part of the Embassy’s Gender and Development (GAD) program. Conducted via Facebook Live on 26 July 2020, the seminar highlighted the importance of mental health, which is not frequently or openly talked about compared to physical health.

Professional guidance counsellor and licensed teacher at Footprints International School in Phnom Penh Ms. Gemma Bangcal, Ph.D. discussed the various factors affecting mental health, common warning signs of mental illnesses, and the Mental Health Pain Scale. Dr. Bangcal also described the possible causes and common psychological reactions among Filipinos during the pandemic and provided examples of mindset shifts to improve one’s mental well-being.

Dr. Bangcal emphasized that in any stressful situation, such as a pandemic, it is common to be worried, but that “It’s okay not to be okay.”

At the end of the discussion, Dr. Bangcal provided five (5) actions to lessen stress and promote good mental health. Dr. Bangcal and Dr. Lucita Narag, also a professional guidance counsellor and licensed teacher in Phnom Penh-based Singapore (Cambodia) International Academy, demonstrated the Butterfly Hug, which is a strategy to relax and calm oneself. It involves interlocking both thumbs near one’s chest to form a butterfly’s body, outward extension of other fingers to form the butterfly’s wings and slowly tapping one’s shoulders with eyes closed and slowly breathing for two-three minutes.

In her closing remarks, Vice Consul and the Embassy’s GAD Focal Person Ms. Frances Cleofas underscored that “mental health is important even if there may be no physical manifestation of any issues. Through conducting similar activities, the Embassy hopes that these become a venue for everyone, especially women, to examine common problems during the pandemic and offer insights and tips on promoting one’s mental wellbeing.” END