By Kesha Shua V. Leosala, DOST-STII

Photos from Ma. Giselle Geraldino, DOST-STII

The Department of Science and Technology - Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) holds its mental health seminar on 10 October 2024 in celebration of the World Mental Health Day with the theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”.

This year’s celebration pushes for a healthy working environment as a protective factor for mental health, recognizing the important connection between mental health and work that fosters purpose and stability.

“Most of us are resilient but hindi natin pwede i-ignore ang mga signs. We have to face the signs and if we cannot address it alone then we have to seek our support system,” shared by Ms. Ma. Kristine B. Reyes, head of Human Resource (HR) Section of DOST-STII during her opening remarks.

[“Most of us are resilient but we cannot ignore the signs…..]

The resource speaker, Ms. Niña Maricheliz Ubalde, a psychologist from the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) acknowledges the work and service of public servants. She believes that the event is an opportunity to understand mental health and the work in progress towards improving mental health in the workplace.

Ms. Ubalde begins her discussion by listening to staff’s perception with regards to a picture and relating it to mental health. The reflective question helped staff to engage in the conversation that led her to define mental health, understanding stigma, and addressing misconceptions about the topic.

Additionally, she shared that absenteeism and presenteeism were the impact of mental health on employees, the latter being observed in one’s productivity. Some of this may be caused by stress, anxiety, burnout and depression, which were identified as common mental health issues in the workplace.

According to a World Health Organization’s (WHO) case report in 2021, mental health conditions caused an economic burden in the country costing 68.9 billion pesos per year. The report states that 96% of the cost comes from the loss of workforce or reduced productivity.

Moving towards prioritizing mental health in the workplace, Ms. Ubalde suggested creating a supportive environment for employees such as rethinking job designs, training and intervention for workers, and having effective conflict resolution strategies.

She also emphasized the responsibility of each individual in creating a healthier workplace. Through a short reflection activity, staff were asked to have an awareness check, reflect on how to achieve work-life balance and connections with people, community and one’s values.

Ms. Ubalde explains how to balance life and the demands of work by practicing 3 Bs: break, boundaries, and basic routines

Lastly, she affirmed that seeking further help may not only be for mental health issues but for self-growth as well. She shared available mental health resources such as hotlines and encouraged everyone through a quote by Noam Shpancer that “mental health is not a destination but a process.”

Some of the STII staff were asked on their take and reflection on the importance of mental health in the organization specializing in disseminating science and technology information.

“Kung okay yung overall well being mo makakapag function well ka, given na stressful yung nature ng trabaho natin kelangan talagang focus, attention to details, sa mga content na nilalabas natin,...validated ba or reliable yung mga info,” shared by Mr. Neven Aligan, an administrative assistant from HR section highlighting the importance of being psychologically stable. 

[“If your overall well being is healthy, you will also function well, given the stressful nature of our work where we need focus, attention to details for the contents we produce…if it is validated or if the informations are reliable.”]

“Majority sa atin ay creatives talaga , ang primary na ginagamit nila is the mind. So, importante yung mental health kasi kailangan ng headspace ‘yung mga tao natin para maka-create sila ng mga engaging, appealing na mga content kasi mahaba ang process. I hope kahit papaano ‘yung seminar natin kanina is doon sa mga nag-raise ng concern nila tungkol sa mga schedules, sana mapag-usapan kahit sa mga units muna natin magsimula,” encouraged by Ms. Precious Gayle Balgua, an administrative officer from the HR section.

[“Majority of us are really creatives, and the primary thing they use is their mind...So mental health is important because our staff need headspace to create engaging, [and] appealing content since it requires a long process. I hope that, in some way, our seminar earlier, for those who raised their concerns about their schedules, hopefully, be discussed within each units first.”]

“Very timely yung talk, not only because it's World Mental Health Day but also because the most important resource in our organization is its people. It's important that the employees' well-being is prioritized and that we continue to combat the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in the workplace. So I really appreciate that STII is making an effort to raise mental health awareness through events like this,” shared by Ms. Kinessa Denise Chispa, the planning officer of the DOST-STII.

The seminar ends with encouraging words from Mr. Rodolfo P. De Guzman, division chief of the Communication Resource and Production Division. He believes that acceptance is the key to move forward, and to accept means to also pray about it, to have strength in weathering the challenges, and become fruitful in life.

Ultimately, it is the compassion and understanding of every employee that fosters a supportive workplace. Even small acts of empathy and kindness can have a significant impact.

Source: Investment Case Report on Mental Health in the Philippines