Southern Asia-Pacific Division
The official website of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Ministries
SSD Health Ministries Department Spearheads Mental Health Summit
More than 443 delegates embraced the invigorating experience with the theme: "Ingraining the Fundamental of Christian Mental Health Care”, during the first SSD Mental Health Summit on February 21-23, 2020 at the Manila Adventist College.
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s Mental Health Initiative in collaboration with the Psychology Department of the Adventist University of the Philippines spearheaded this set-apart summit. Among the 13 divisions within the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists, SSD is the first to hold an Adventist mental health summit, Dr. Peter Landless, the GC Health Ministries Director, confirmed.
Surprisingly, many delegates from the government and non-government organizations took part. Majority of the participants are from the tri union, conferences and missions, hospitals and academes (AIIAS, AUP, MAC, Adventist academies). Both local and international delegates, professionals and non-professionals, adults and young people alike were equally blessed and inspired.
The Philippine Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) granted this Mental Health Summit 16 CPD units. It’s very helpful to health professionals who will renew their licenses.
Greater Hope for the Great Stigma
According to the World Health Organization, someone commits suicide every 40 seconds. Dr. Landless reiterated it during his opening message. Majority comes from 18-34 years old bracket.
The alarming prevalence of mental health issues nowadays is like a storm surge that leaves scary scars among the survivors. Souls are scathed. And to those who succumbed to the mental torture and suicide, families and friends are left behind with daunting mental and emotional debris.
Moreover, Landless nailed it: “Depression is the leading cause of disability globally, and yet, there are very few societies which are equipped and able to cope with this major pandemic.
Stigma, and the general unwillingness to talk about mental and emotional health issues, further complicate the problem. We need to understand that it is not shame nor a failing to suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges. We should not regard mental health illness as a failing, or as a lack of faith. We are to follow Jesus’ example in caring for the whole person - physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.”
SSD’s Mental Health Initiative Launches Brain Olympics and Brain Power - Mental Wellness Journey
“Without mental health, there can be no true physical health.” ~ Dr. Brock Chisholm, first Director General of the World Health Organization
Brain enhancing activities such as the Brain Olympics and Brain Power - Mental Wellness Journey were launched during the summit. This dynamic duo are a brainchild of collaborative efforts of some of the members of the Mental Health Initiative core team.
Conceptualized by:
Dr. Rizaline Alfanoso, SSD Health Ministries Director
- Mr. Dan Alfanoso III, Registered Nurse, Executive Director of City Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Pasay City, National Coordinator, Implementer and Trainer for Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) on Substance Abuse
- Mr. Rhalf Jayson Guanco, Registered Psychologist/Psychometrician, faculty member in AUP Psychology Department
- Ms. Myrtle Orbon, Registered Psychologist and Chair of the Undergraduate Psychology Department in AUP
- Dr. Sheryll Ann Castillo, Registered Guidance Counselor, faculty member of AUP Psychology Department, and Guidance Counselor in the AUP Guidance Services.
- Ms. Buenafe Sadicon, Registered Psychometrician and a faculty member in AUP Psychology Department
- Ms. Cutie Canesares, Registered Psychologist and a faculty member in AUP Psychology Department
Mentors:
- Dr. Mylene Gumarao, Registered Guidance Counselor and the Chair of AUP Graduate Psychology Department
- Dr. Flor Marticio, Registered Guidance Counselor, served as a Guidance Director for more than 20 years. Currently, she’s a Professor both in graduate and undergraduate programs of the Psychology Department in AUP.
- Mrs. Noemi Fajardo, Guidance Director, Adventist University of the Philippines
Consultant:
- Dr. Orville Pandes, Adult Psychologist, Consultant Psychiatrist in Bicol Medical Center-Legaspi City, and a Lecturer/Facilitator of MHGAP World Health Organization
They’re also plenary speakers, workshop speakers and facilitators at the summit.
“Do not borrow the productions of other men’s brains and pens, and recite them as lesson, but make the most of the talents, the brainpower that God has given you.” ~ Ellen G. White
Ignite the Impact
This milestone has a ripple effect, and Dr. Alfanoso encourages the delegates to “Ignite the Impact" in their respective communities through imparting the experiences and lessons learned.
In her felicitations she hoped that “this summit will serve as a jumping board to more progressive staunch of how to destigmatize mental health problems and create a comprehensive plan of action.”
She gave a succinct feedback after the summit: “I’m truly humbled with the tremendous outcome and impact. We owe God our thanks and praises, for He made all things possible.”
- Dr. Alfanoso had a lengthy list of support group whom she thanked, from the SSD President, Pastor Samuel Saw and some SSD fellow directors and staff, to the guest speakers from the General Conference, and plenary speakers from the Department of Health:
- Dr. Rodney Boncajes, Medical Specialist III, National Center for Mental Health
- Ms. Frances Precilla Cuevas, Mental Health Program
- Dr. Wilma Anthea Chua, TRCOIC Chief Medical Section
- Dr. Katherine Camus, Medical Specialist and Psychiatrist, DOH-TRC
- Dr. Carlo Castro (University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital)
Other plenary speakers:
- Dr. Armand Fabella, Psychologist and Professor, Adventist University of the Philippines
- Dr. Linda Varona, Lifestyle Medicine Dept. Head, Adventist Medical Center-Manila
“Although men have brought suffering upon themselves by their own misdeeds and wrong actions, He considers them with pity. In Him they may find help. He will do great things for those who trust in Him.” ~ Ellen G. White
- Dr. Torben Bergland, Associate Health Ministries Director, presented about the very interesting topics: “Mental Health in a Crazy World” and “Mind, Body and Spiritual Connection.” What he emphasized are timely and relevant.
- “When people are very judgmental, very harsh with others, I wonder what they are hiding or running away from,” …
- “If Satan cannot keep souls bound in the ice of indifference, he will try to push them into the fire of fanaticism”. EGW, Letter 34, 1889
- “It is my prayer that the church, that Adventist health care and health ministries, and each one of us also, will be like Jesus.”
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Seventh-day Adventist beliefs are meant to permeate your whole life. Growing out of scriptures that paint a compelling portrait of God, you are invited to explore, experience and know the One who desires to make us whole.