To promote awareness on mental health concerns and provide intervention to combat these issues, the Office of Counseling and Guidance (OCG) is going to conduct the 5th university-wide forum on depression and suicide prevention entitled “Health Orientation on Problems from Emotional Stress (HOPE V).”

HOPE V, themed “Mental Health in an Unequal World,” is a 2-part webinar series that will be held via video conferencing and livestreamed on Facebook at 9 AM on Oct. 25 and 29.

Dr. Rodney Boncajes, Medical Specialist III and head of the Community-Based Capacity Building and Training Unit of the National Center for Mental Health will discuss “Community-Based Mental Health Services” on Oct. 25.

Dr. Alexandra Palis, a UPLB psychiatrist, will discuss “Mental Health and Self-Care in the Pandemic” on Oct. 29.

When left untreated, mental health issues can be damaging to students, and affect their interpersonal relationships, health, and scholastic standing.

It is for this reason that the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs continues to provide programs and services that will empower students in meeting their emotional and psychosocial needs.

Follow the UPLB Office of Counseling and Guidance Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ocgovcsa) for more updates regarding the webinar series. (Wella Josel Mejia)