OSAS leads Psychoeducation Program; selected CAS, CED, CNAHS students participate
Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) conducted a psychoeducation program for five selected students at the OSAS conference room. Aira Riza Abad, Guidance Counselor for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Education (CED), and College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS)m facilitated the program.
Participants included three students from CAS, enrolled in psychology and political science programs across different year level, two second-year students from CED, and one student from the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS).
The program started with an orientation where the objectives and purpose of the psychoeducation program were outlined.
To assess their mental well-being, participants were given the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), which measures levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Following the assessment, Abad delivered lectures on the distinctions between depression, anxiety, and stress. These discussions provided participants with a clearer understanding of each condition. Two educational modules were also presented and discussed to deepen their knowledge.
The students were introduced to grounding techniques—methods designed to help manage overwhelming emotions and situations. Ms. Abad explained and demonstrated these techniques before engaging participants in two structured activities. These activities featured processing questions related to the modules, encouraging reflection and open discussion.
During the activities, participants shared personal experiences and strategies for addressing challenges.
One participant identified high expectations, emotional suppression, and procrastination as significant contributors to her anxiety and stress. She emphasized that journaling, self-reflection, and time management helped her manage these feelings. Focusing on self-improvement, she noted, also reduced negative emotions.
Another participant cited financial difficulties as a primary source of stress. She shared her efforts to track daily expenses and limit impulsive spending to gain better control over her finances.
The program fostered a positive and supportive environment, empowering participants with valuable insights and practical tools to better understand and manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
he psychoeducation program aligns with the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being -The program directly supports mental health and well-being by educating participants on managing depression, anxiety, and stress, and providing coping strategies.
- SDG 4: Quality Education - By equipping students with knowledge and tools for self-awareness and emotional management, the program enhances their learning experience and promotes personal growth.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - The program inclusively supports students from various academic disciplines and backgrounds, ensuring equitable access to mental health resources and opportunities for empowerment.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - The initiative highlights the collaboration within the university, particularly between OSAS and the students, to achieve mental health objectives that align with global priorities.
