MLQU Celebrates National Mental Health Awareness Month, Advocating for Wellness and Balance

Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) joined the nationwide celebration of National Health Month this October by raising awareness on mental health, emphasizing life-education balance, and advocating for well-being across its student body and faculty. Recognizing the profound impact of mental health on individuals’ lives, MLQU held a series of activities on October 24 and 25 to highlight the importance of mental wellness, provide education on available services, and empower its community to advocate for mental health—even for those who do not face mental health challenges directly.

Seminar on Generational Challenges and Strategies

The event was headlined by a seminar featuring Dr. Ed Caligher, a Registered Guidance Counselor and Psychologist, who delivered a talk titled “Bridging the Gap: Post-Pandemic Strategies in Managing the Generational Gap.” Attended by students and faculty alike, the seminar delved into the unique challenges faced by different generations in the post-pandemic world. Dr. Caligher explored strategies to bridge generational divides, fostering empathy and understanding to build a supportive environment for mental well-being across all age groups.

Empowering Students Against Peer Pressure

Another highlight was the seminar “A.B.Y.G. (Ako Ba ‘Yung Go Nang Go?)” facilitated by Ms. Claudette Nuguid, a Registered Psychometrician. Designed for college and senior high school students, this interactive seminar aimed to address the impact of peer pressure on decision-making, academic life, personal relationships, and goal setting. Ms. Nuguid emphasized self-awareness, discussing ways students can recognize age-related pressures and navigate ongoing trends. The seminar encouraged students to make informed, healthy choices and provided practical tools to help them cope with peer pressure, ultimately promoting resilience in their academic and personal lives.

Art Expression: Painting as Therapeutic Expression

Complementing the seminars was Art Expression, an engaging painting competition designed to offer students a therapeutic outlet through art. Painting, renowned for its therapeutic benefits, allowed student participants to express their emotions creatively and decompress. This session fostered a supportive space for self-reflection and encouraged students to explore painting as a tool for self-care and stress management.

As a strong advocate of mental health, MLQU used National Health Month as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of mental wellness, life balance, and making healthy, informed decisions. The celebration reinforced MLQU’s commitment to supporting mental health awareness and providing students with resources to cultivate well-being as they navigate both academic and personal challenges.