Mental health must be top priority, says Cebu clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologist Dr. Anna Kathrina Oaminal-Watin

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Our mental health takes a beating in a fast-paced environment. Unfortunately, most people are never aware of this.

In an interview with a clinical psychologist in Cebu City, she shared with CDN Digital the importance of prioritizing one’s mental health.

Dr. Anna Kathrina Oaminal-Watin, said that everyone should take care of the health of their minds.

“Mental health would also affect our physical health. We need to take care of our mental health so that we’ll be able to cope with the daily stresses sa life,” she told CDN Digital.

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Dr. Oaminal-Watin said that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state where a person is able to realize his potential such as his talents or abilities.

She said that these talents and abilities could help the person cope with the daily stresses of life

These stresses include bills to pay, tuition for children, problems with relationships, even coping with traffic, and dealing with floods.

“These are daily stresses of life so a person needs to cope with normal stresses of life,” she said.

More productive

Moreover, she added that having good mental health can also help the person work productively.

“Because of good mental health, we’re able to have a contribution to our community,” she said.

The clinical psychologist said that people should also prioritize their mind’s health as much as they care for their physical health.

Good nutrition, active lifestyle

“Good nutrition, adequate sleep, and exercise—these are very important things that people would really have to look into. And aside from that, it’s also into coming up with activities that can generate in you, positive emotions,” she said.

Such activities could include the things that could make one happy. For instance, if they enjoy gardening, they should do it. And if they enjoy reading, then make reading a habit.

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She said that if the person feels sad, it is important to acknowledge that feeling of sadness. However, it should not end there.

The person should also think about the reason where that certain sadness came from.

“Because our thoughts are very automatic but we seldom question our thoughts. Our feelings come from our thoughts, so we need to question that,” Dr. Oaminal-Watin said.

On October 10, during the celebration of World Mental Health Day, the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) called for the public to reach their hotlines when they want to seek assistance if they are going through something.

Because who knows what a simple call can do to improve your overall well-being?

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