How to navigate mental health issues? Psychologist gives tips

Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, no one is exempt from mental health concerns.

Psychologist Ali Gui was interviewed on "The Howie Severino Podcast" to share some tips on how to look after one's mental wellness.

Gui reminded the public of the importance of checking in with loved ones and friends, as well as opening up to others.

"If you are not okay, then don’t say you’re okay. Don’t pretend na 'Okay lang, pare. Okay lang ako. Lilipas din ‘yan,'" said Gui.

(Don't pretend that you're okay; that it will pass.)

"Hindi ‘yan lilipas. (It will not pass.) Believe me everyone unless you do something about it. Why? Because its a process. Hindi mo puwedeng laktawan, hindi ka puwede from Grade 1 to college (You can't skip the process, you can't jump from Grade 1 to college)," she added.

She said that a person who has no trusted friend to share his or her problems with can always seek professional help.

"If you have trusted friend whom you can trust, who values you and respect you as a person, will not sell your stories to other people, then that’s a kind of person you need," Gui said.

"But if you don’t have people like that, it’s very okay to reach out. We the mental health practitioners, the psychological association, you know, all of that people will help you right now," she said.

Gui also shared that there is nothing wrong with using a phone, but warned that too much screen time will be harmful to one's health.

She advised people to take breaks for an hour or two when working on a computer. 

"If I am conscious, I know I am working for more than one hour, two hours, stand up. Take a break. Go away from your desk for few minutes," said Gui.

Finally, Gui said a person must also use social media to help others cope with mental health issues.

"It’s how you use the social media that makes it bad. Now, if you use it to influence and to help others heal and stand up again, use that influence to help others. Do not be greedy and just post what you ate," she said. — VBL, GMA News