CGC steps up mental wellness campaign

In renewed efforts to promote mental wellness among citizens of the Commonwealth, the Community Guidance Center has taken a lead role in the campaign against depression and drug abuse in observance of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Awareness Month.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez, and other officialas held yesterday a ceremony at the CGC office on Navy Hill dedicated to struggling mental health patients as well as denouncing  the abuse of substances.

The month-long awareness campaign will focus on depression and drug education in efforts to battle the prevalence of mental health deterioration among individuals all over the globe which have increased steadily over the last 50 years.

According to mental health experts, social change is partly to blame for the outbreak of depression among the younger population, giving birth to a more complicated society.

A significant percentage of children today face challenges in the absence of social structures such as the church, traditional values and customs, and close-knit communities which were more prevalent in the past.

The awareness drive is also meant to stimulate the community’s sensitivity toward individuals dealing with depression.

“We want to be alert to those individuals who might be in need of our assistance. These individuals may have risk factors such as alcohol or drug abuse or even suicidal intentions,” according to the guidance center.

Intent on making its presence felt, CGC said it continues to offer services in mental health and substance abuse to those who are in need and those who are seeking more information.

“In today’s society, depression is a common malady, and this month is a good opportunity to remove that menacing cloud of confusion that hovers over mental health and substance abuse, and replace it with the clear skies of understanding and compassion,” said CGC.

The agency is also encouraging community members to unite and exert efforts to remove the walls of discrimination which oftentimes stem from ignorance.

This holiday season, CGC is also calling on individuals to observe more compassion to those who suffer from mental illness or substance abuse problems and lend a consoling hand to families and friends who have closely pledged their love and support toward the total rehabilitation of their struggling loved ones. (MM)