Katatagan
#AyalaCitizen Jan Bengzon volunteered to help Filipinos cope with the emotional stress caused by the pandemic
Words by MARY SIOJO
Not one to simply sit around while the pandemic disrupted everyday life all over the world, Jan Bengzon earnestly looked for an opportunity to help. Many people were already helping with food donations, PPEs, and fund raisers, but the AC Synergy consultant sensed a less visible yet urgent need: mental well-being. He could see that the combination of fear, uncertainty, and isolation was having a great impact on people. “Maintaining mental health is one of the many challenges in this pandemic,” Jan explains. “Because of this, and in response to Ayala’s call to do what we can to protect the most vulnerable, I decided to volunteer as a facilitator in an online resilience-building program of the Psychological Association of the Philippines.”
Citing studies that show the impact of crisis on people, Jan and his fellow volunteers could see symptoms of emotional stress emerging in all levels of society. “ People can be affected in different ways ranging from physical symptoms like headaches or body pains; increased frequency of negative emotions such as anxiety or depression; and changes in behavior such as loss of sleep and inordinate consumption of alcohol,” Jan says. While these stress reactions to a crisis are normal, prolonged exposure to them without help can cause serious damage to a person’s long-term mental health.
Joining the Katatagan Program was Jan Bengzon’s response to the COVID crisis, a psychoeducational intervention program for mental wellness which is so vital during the pandemic.
““I met other people who resonated with my feelings of anxiety during this pandemic and that we’re all in this together. “”
Volunteers like Jan offered help through Katatagan—a psychoeducational intervention program that draws from principles of Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness. Conducted in an online group setting with six to 12 participants and two to three facilitators. the modules tackle topics on dealing with negative thoughts and feelings. Tests that were given to participants after the session have shown significant reductions in their levels of anxiety and depression.
Lucia Chavez, a participant, reveals: “I met other people who resonated with my feelings of anxiety during this pandemic and that we’re all in this together. They shared helpful activities and practical tips on dealing with stress and anxiety, gave a new sense of coping and surviving, and most of all, a sense of hope that all shall be well.”
It is experiences like this that give meaning to Jan’s efforts. He shares: “There’s no shame in experiencing these [emotions]. These are not “character defects” or signs of personal weakness. Remember that you are never powerless in these situations…. Don’t be afraid to seek help. I’m constantly surprised at how willing people are to help, if only they’re given the opportunity.” #
Visit the Katatagan website to find out more about the program. Free resources and psychological services are also available on the site.
POSTED OCTOBER 23, 2020
