24/08/2026
The webinar entitled “A Mental Health Conversation on Pressure, Purpose and Finding Your Own Pace”organized from Psych Session was held from 8:00pm to 10:00pm via Google Meet, with Mr. Marlon G. Andag, MIC, CPFA, CMHT, as the speaker. Selected YPC 4thyr Psych and other College members also chosen to attend the said webinar. Unlike a typical webinar, the session was presented as a meaningful and open conversation where participants were encouraged to share their thoughts, experiences, and emotions. The webinar focused on mental health, the pressure that people experience in life, finding one’s purpose, and understanding that everyone has their own pace and timeline.
The session started with a simple “kamustahan,” which immediately created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Instead of beginning with a formal lecture, the speaker first checked on how everyone was feeling. This was followed by a reflective “relapse time,” where participants were given the opportunity to look back on their experiences, struggles, and emotions. The approach made the session feel less like a traditional webinar and more like a safe space where everyone could openly express themselves.
One of the most meaningful parts of the seminar was the emphasis on creating a safe space for reflection. The session was conducted in an open and comfortable setting where participants could share their problems, experiences, and insights without fear of judgment. The speaker encouraged everyone to be present, listen to others, and allow themselves to reflect on what they were hearing. Through this approach, the seminar also promoted community building among Filipino psychology students. Since 2020, these sessions have provided opportunities for students to share their concerns and learn from one another, helping create a community where people can feel heard, educated, and understood.
The speaker also made sure that everyone was involved in the discussion. One activity asked the participants, “In one word, how are you feeling today?” This simple question encouraged students to pause and recognize their current emotions. Participants could share their answers through speaking or through the comment section, allowing everyone to participate in a way that felt comfortable for them. This made the session feel inclusive and welcoming because every emotion and response was given importance.
Another major topic discussed was the weight of pressure. The speaker emphasized that pressure is a normal part of life, but punishing ourselves because of it is not. The message that “ang buhay ay hindi karera” reminded participants that people do not have the same timeline. Overall, the seminar was a meaningful experience because it was not only about learning concepts related to mental health but also about creating a community where people could feel heard and understood.
✍️: Vanessa May A. Gonzales (Youth Advocates Group Member)
