About three years ago, four advocates for the environment led by Steven Nelson Segura met and decided that promoting mental health is another worthy cause. During that time, a number of deaths by suicide were reported.
Thus, he created a Facebook Group Chat with the idea of raising awareness about mental health and good practices to keep a healthy mental health lifestyle. This little “community” grew from four to forty-six members including this writer.
A Facebook page was also initiated where the moderators would share mental health services, hotline numbers and materials on depression, anxiety, positive quotes and other related topics.
To further promote mental health, the group was able to join UNOR’s University Week with an exhibit on Mental Health. STI-West Negros University’s Guidance Office also had its exhibit during their university week. This writer was also able to give a talk on mental health to the STI junior high students.
The group chat became a venue where members asked for any information related to promoting mental health and preventing mental disorders. For example, one member was messaged by someone who was asking for help because a friend was attempting to injure herself. She was guided to contact the right people who were able to bring the friend to a hospital. She was saved!
During this pandemic, the bulk of messages on the Facebook page increased that Steven, the Founder, asked for a virtual meeting to brainstorm on how we can expand our support. All 46 members were invited to join. Six members attended the google meet up and #kapyot was born.
KAPYOT, is an organization, initiated by mental health advocates of Bacolod City, to respond to the needs of individuals with mental health needs. KAPYOT will bridge a person to professionals (e.g. psychiatrists or psychologists) and facilities that will help them grow to a better person.
Kapyot is a Hiligaynon word that means “to hold.” Kapyot will hold your hand and will lead you towards the right people. Kapyot are mediators and bridges. And with that, #KapyotLang is the tagline for the organization.
The Kapyot core group is composed of Steven Nelson Segura (an engineer), Keenu Rem Tafalla (a financial advisor), Kyra Audrey Pulohanan (a teacher), Janica Eleen Pabon (a medical student), Mark Ortibano (a licensed psychologist) and this writer (an NGO worker). Kapyot is open to new members who are willing to assist us in many ways. Please join us.
Kapyot’s first activity was presenting a webinar for free entitled: “Mental Health 101: The Things You Need to Know” on May 1, 2021 via zoom but was live on Facebook. Many participants attended via Facebook live.
During the webinar, self-care was emphasized to help prevent burnout and to give our bodies a chance to rejuvenate. It is not being selfish, it is something YOU deserve. There are many ways to exercise self-care.
Do what makes you happy, as long as you are not harming yourself or anyone else. Practice gratitude – there is always something to thank for. Simple acts of kindness to ourselves and others can help discover meanings in our lives.
It’s okay to be not okay, it’s okay to be imperfect and it’s okay to ask for help.
Kapyot will continue to organize webinars and other activities.
If you want to learn more about Kapyot and mental health, please message us.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of mental disorders, please message us at our Facebook page – Mental Health Advocates of Bacolod and we will bridge you to a professional or service. #kapyotlang