Lifeline

When we are faced with something that is uncertain or beyond our control, we often develop anxiety. Anxiety however can be seen as a normal reaction of the self to guard us from the feelings of threat. Such is the threat of COVID-19 that many of us who are confined to our own homes feel anxious. Developing proper ways of coping is key to overcoming this. Let us fight this through these four steps that we can easily remember:
O. P. O. G.

OBSERVE PROTOCOLS

The Department of Health outlined basic protocols to help us in this crisis. These are all available in the info-graphics that are shared in their website.

Other branches of government and even our own LGUs have safety guidelines and protocols as well for us to follow.

At home, you are enjoined to practice health, and self-care tips shared by the authorities. Make these part of your routines.

PRAYER PAUSES

In the duration of the day, when we suddenly feel uncertain and worried. It’s okay. These are great reminders for you to engage in prayer pauses. Pause for a bit and be mindful of your surroundings as you transition yourself in short doses of prayers for your intentions.
Mindfulness can also be a means for prayerful disposition and can help manage anxiety through breathing exercises, light meditation, and being aware of your surroundings. Check this link for simple mindfulness and breathing exercises.

oPEN LINES OF COMMUNICATION

Thanks to technology, we are each equipped with means to communicate to the outside world. In times like these our only literal connection from our outside comforts are our gadgets able to reach people, places and information at a click of a screen. Engage in a healthy discussion but do not consume online content that will add more to your anxiety. Look for helpful links. It is also very okay to call a friend.

GIVE BACK IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CAN

It can be as basic as staying at home for our frontliners. Or as small as helping out in the house chores. Gestures like donating to your local community relief efforts and volunteering in whatever way you can while keeping yourself healthy and protected is always welcome. Did we mention we are accepting donations for Kalinga Kontra Korona?

For anything else that ails your heart, we are always happy to help. Similar to school policies, you are free to email your concerned authorities (School Formators) for any concern. They will respond to you as soon as they can. For more serious and urgent concerns, please stay calm and reach out to institutional hotlines for mental health.

Here are their details:

NATIONAL CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH 24/7 CRISIS HOTLINE - 0917-899-USAP (8727) or 989-USAP (8727)

NATASHA GOULBOURN FOUNDATION MINDSTRONG HOPELINE - 0918-873-4673 (Smart), 0917-558-4673 (Globe), and (02) 8804-4673 (PLDT).

PHILIPPINE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION - Email: [email protected] ; SMS: 0917-5652036; Tel. no. (02)8921.4958; 8921.4959

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS 24/7 HOTLINE - 1158 for COVID-19 and mental health support.
InTouch Crisis Line - 8893-7603 for landline; 0917-800-1123 or 0922-893-8944 for mobile

Web-based telemental health platform:
InTouch Community Services: offers teletherapy and web counseling services

Mindcare Club: offers telemental health through online videoconferencing

UPD PsycServ: offers free telepsychotherapy services for UPD students, faculty, and staff, as well as COVID-19 frontliners

YOUR CART

Lifeline

OBSERVE PROTOCOLS

PRAYER PAUSES

oPEN LINES OF COMMUNICATION

GIVE BACK IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CAN