World Mental Health Day: Attending PFA Workshop 2022

Last Friday, the University of the Visayas had its very first SIG event for social advocacy and leadership held in the Inday Pining Theatro. We, Psychology students, are gathered to attend and learn new things as part of our volunteerism and steps to lead someday. The Psychological First Aid Workshop is the first event I'm going to attend, as well, as a Psych student. It was truly amazing and life-changing as they say. It opens up opportunities in meeting new people of the same interests, promotes mental health, and provides help to people.

The PFA was organized by the VAPM (Visayanian Association of Psychology Majors) Officers, the College of Arts and Sciences student council together with the faculty members. They were happy to announce the approval of our first onsite seminar about mental health after years of conducting online webinars and conferences.

Besides gaining plus points and a certificate from attending the said event, I realized gatherings like this are steps to becoming a/an good advocate and active student. Honestly, at first, I wasn't certain about going to school because the idea of a five-hour workshop is tiring for me. But then, when we were there as we signed our names at the entrance, it was not so bad after all. The theatre room was wide enough to welcome us, the freshmen students, together with our seniors too. We were seated at the back behind some of our block mates and when they were starting to make noise and laugh with each other, I didn't find it annoying for the first time. I kind of felt the surging excitement from their giggles and banters.

As you can see here, there's a big projector screen in front of us, flashing the PowerPoint presentation of what was discussed during the PFA workshop.

As presented, PFA is a humane support system for people who requires help. It is implemented to give a helping hand to fellow humans who are suffering. This method carries the intention to lessen their distress, especially from the traumatic events they have experienced. People or students who volunteer as psychological first-aiders know the basic rules and steps to assess help with the best they can give to people. They provide practical care and support in times of disasters such as fire, typhoons, earthquakes, accidents, etc. First-aiders protect people from further harm by extending help with their basic needs, concerns, and worries, and keeping them exposed to helpful hotlines.

The PFA is not at all for the people who experienced disasters alone. This kind of help extends to mankind without limit. It can be learned and applied with proper training. Beforehand, PFA was called psychological debriefing but then it opens a place to name these people victims who are questioned about their past experiences. It wasn't designed to treat or counsel people. It only helps in the possible way where they don't feel like seeking mental help is a big deal.

What I understood from that was how VAPM seeks to open an embrace through a welcoming workshop without forcing or obliging people to talk. The PFA does not label and heal people because it isn't professional work. It will just let people know that others are willing to support them always. It spreads global safety and care by connecting with people. To motivate them so that they can help themselves as well at their own pace, of course.

I think the whole event is therapeutic in itself. I'm loving this course and I cannot imagine the coming events in the future years. It was a moment of realizing again that the world is not so broken after all because there are events like this that exist. They talked about the importance of not letting distressed people feel they are alone. Of how helpful PFA can be to people who were recently exposed to a crisis. There were many hotlines presented as well at the end of the slides.

The art of listening is very essential when you provide PFA. Not just listen with your ears but with a presence of mind to understand one another. I'm not much of a talker aside if I'm around my friends so as much as possible, I pay attention and listen. The feeling of not being heard is sickening. I've taken that sign from experience that if someone is willingly talking about themselves and their situation, I should listen to them. It's the most effective way of performing PFA.

“Even non-verbal support is enough because we know not all advice is advisable. Our presence is enough to let them know they're not alone.” Those were the words of Ms Aileen, the VAPM President during her discussion.

After all that, we performed an icebreaker so everyone can loosen up. It was fun even though throughout the activity I was timid. I still had the privilege to 'loosen up' in my own way. And for the main purpose of the workshop, we were grouped into twenty-four in total to work on our version of PFA. I was number 22, then. To a separate group from Shina and Yana. I would be lying if I say I wasn't feeling nervous again. But fortunately, I had great and friendly group mates. We first introduced names and exchanged personal experiences about school and life before proceeding.

In every group, we were tasked to perform a roleplay in our circle about a given situation but it can also come from our own experiences. We have an hour to discuss and chat about it. I'm still not over the fact that some people in the same year level as me had experienced shifting from one to another course. I know it's possible but I've never encountered someone as close as being in the same group at a psychological workshop. I'm shocked and awed and wondering. I think I can never be as brave as them because I'm too afraid to be left behind. Two of our group mates had shifted from two courses before arriving in BS Psychology. From Computer Science to Nursing to Psychology.

The little roleplay was fun and an eye-opener. We had a topic between new generations and the older ones. Noticing how visible the generational gap can still be through knowledge in terms of technological advancement and psychosocial development. The never-ending stigma about mental health. We talked about being part of the sexually confused people as well. Real-life situations such as financial struggles, problems at home, and our society.

I conclude that this event is a wonderful experience a freshman like me could have. I usually hate being around a crowd but it was different. I was not an outcast. I felt as if I belong to something great. I find calmness in knowing that someone out there, a friend or colleague, will help you if you only need it.

Here's a picture of everyone from freshman year. Good luck finding me in the crowd! ^___^