As October and World Mental Health Month draw to a close, the UC Guidance and Counseling Office (GCO) has embraced the theme Banaag. Meaning “dawn” or “light” in Filipino, Banaag symbolizes hope and new beginnings, reminding everyone that even in the darkest times, there is light and the promise of a better tomorrow.
Complementing this theme is the campaign #yesUCanBreakthrough, which champions a culture of mental wellness within the university. From October 2 to 30, 2024, the GCO organized a series of activities aimed at reducing stigma, raising awareness, and fostering a supportive environment for mental health.
Banaag Through Creative Expression
Among the key activities in this year’s Banaag initiative is WellBe-INK, a semicolon body paint session held on October 9, 16, and 30, 2024 with 43 students expressing their support for mental health through temporary henna tattoos and symbolic artwork. Students highlighted how the activity allowed them to creatively express solidarity for those struggling with mental health challenges, including depression, suicide, and addiction.
The Light-up Wednesday activity, a personal version of INKtober, offered another therapeutic outlet for students. Using the walls of the Psychological Testing Unit, students painted glow-in-the-dark art based on mental health themes, providing a space for creative expression and community dialogue. It became not just an outlet for personal emotions, but a shared experience that helped reduce stress and foster a sense of belonging.
The Writings on the Wall showcase a large semicolon freedom wall, where students can lift the flaps and write inspirational messages. The semicolon represents a choice to keep going, even when life’s challenges feel overwhelming, much like how the punctuation mark itself connects two independent clauses that could stand alone but are linked together to form a broader meaning. This wall serves as a reminder that we are all connected by our struggles and our resilience.
Building a Supportive Community Through the Screen
Another slated event was the Illuminating Paths to Healing webinar, held on November 6, 2024. The webinar, which focused on mental health management and suicide prevention, attracted 378 pre-registrants, with 268 viewers attending live via Zoom and Facebook.
Ms. Ava Angeli Bustillo, RGC, PhD, resource speaker, led the session with a deep, compassionate understanding of mental health, providing clear guidance on how to navigate the complexities of emotional well-being. Her expertise resonated strongly with the audience, who were eager to gain practical knowledge to help themselves and others.
The Illuminating Paths to Healing webinar was more than just an educational event; it was a crucial step toward equipping the participants with the tools needed to support mental health not only within themselves but also in others. In times of uncertainty, the light of knowledge and empathy provided by this webinar became a beacon of hope, offering clarity and comfort in navigating emotional challenges.
Banaag: The Dawn of Light in Mental Health
The success of the Mental Health Awareness Month activities thus far is a testament to the power of community and collective action in mental health advocacy. The enthusiasm and support shown by students and participants outside the university reflect the growing recognition that every step taken, no matter how small, brings us closer to healing. The message of Banaag, the belief in new beginnings and the promise of hope reminds us that, no matter how difficult the journey may seem, there is always light on the horizon.
