advocacy

what is pahiyom?

𝓟𝓪𝓱𝓲𝔂𝓸𝓶 is a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the community’s understanding of mental health as well as provide support to individuals in the community through various ways and channels.

In context, 𝓟𝓪𝓱𝓲𝔂𝓸𝓶 is a Bisaya word that translates to “𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦”.

We believe that there is so much more to a smile than showing our teeth and letting our eyes curve as we feel our emotions fill us. Although some smiles are often just masks worn by most people who are hurting and struggling inside, this organization was established to offer you a sincere smile. Furtermore, we believe that unfeigned smiles are things that understand you whenever you feel like you are not understood, believe in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assure you that you are not your thoughts and that you are worthy of love.

what is mental health

“Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

-World Health Organization (WHO)

A collection of quotes related to mental health by Morgan Harper Nichols:

Talking About Mental Health

What’s the difference between mental health and mental illness?

Author: Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division

‘Mental health’ and ‘mental illness’ are increasingly being used as if they mean the same thing, but they do not. Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has health. As the World Health Organization famously says, “There is no health without mental health.” In the course of a lifetime, not all people will experience a mental illness, but everyone will struggle or have a challenge with their mental well-being (i.e., their mental health) just like we all have challenges with our physical well-being from time to time.

When we talk about mental health, we’re talking about our mental well-being: our emotions, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and our understanding of the world around us.

A mental illness is an illness the affects that way people think, feel, behave, or interact with others. There are many different mental illnesses, and they have different symptoms that impact peoples’ lives in different ways.

Health isn’t like an on/off switch. There are different degrees of health. People move on a continuum ranging from great or good health to so-so health to poor health to illness or disability. For example, some people have good health and have no problems going about their lives. Some people experience serious health problems, and their poor health has a very negative impact on their life. Some people have serious health problems that last for a long time, and others have serious health problems that resolve very quickly. Many people fall somewhere in the middle—they’re generally in good health, though the occasional problem may come up. Mental health is the same way.

Just as someone who feels unwell may not have a serious illness, people may have poor mental health without a mental illness. We all have days where we feel a bit down, or stressed out, or overwhelmed by something that’s happening in our lives. An important part of good mental health is the ability to look at problems or concerns realistically. Good mental health isn’t about feeling happy and confident 100% of time and ignoring any problems. It’s about living and coping well despite problems.

Just as it’s possible to have poor mental health but no mental illness, it’s entirely possible to have good mental health even with a diagnosis of a mental illness. That’s because mental illnesses (like other health problems) are often episodic, meaning there are times (‘episodes’) of ill health and times of better or good health.

With the right supports and tools, anyone can live well—however they define well—and find meaning, contribute to their communities, and work towards their goals.

Source: heretohelp.bc.ca

How to take care of your mental health?

Some activities that may help you take care of your mental health are the following:

readsleepexercisemeditatetake a bathjournaleat wellsocializekeep activetalk about your feelingsstay hydrateddo something you are good attake a break

Personal Recommendations:
Follow Your Local Mental Health Advocate on Facebook. They post daily motivational quotes and contents regarding mental health.
If you wanted to start meditation but still doesn't know how, might as well visit this meditation playlist by Goodful on Youtube.
If you are having a hard time breathing right now, go to the Main Page and follow the breating exercises gif.
Try listening to our personally made Spotify playlists by checking out our Spotify account and let the music be your companion during this battle. You can also scan the following QR codes below or simply click each photo and they will redirect you to that specific playlist.