The Office of Student Affairs Services (OSAS) held a series of Lecture-Forums titled “Gender-Responsive Mental Health Services Towards a Successful Adjustment to College Life” on October 15 and 17, 2024, at the Students’ Services Hall. The event featured four sessions and engaged participants from all four colleges within the university.
Mental health advocates Atty. Joseph Elias Geronimo Deveza and Dr. Evony A. Deveza addressed the stages of depression and shared alarming statistics about suicide rates impacting individuals across various age groups. They highlighted that mental health issues are projected to become the leading cause of morbidity by 2030. Currently, suicide ranks as the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29, with 58% of these cases occurring before the age of 50. In 2019 alone, 703,000 people worldwide died by suicide. Atty. Deveza emphasized the influence of social media on mental health and the importance of family support.
Dr. Evony Deveza, a psychiatrist, outlined the signs and symptoms of depression and major depressive disorders, as well as relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and other mental health conditions. She noted that anxiety disorders often have a genetic component, potentially passed from parents to children. If left unaddressed, anxiety can escalate into depression. Dr. Deveza pointed out that suicide is often a tragic outcome of untreated depression, particularly among individuals from dysfunctional families. She urged attendees to take action when symptoms are evident, starting with open conversations and involving family members or mental health professionals.
The forum concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing students to share their experiences and engage in discussions about mental health.
Related topics:
