August 19, 2023, The Rotaract Club of Cebu hosted the Community Mental Health Education: Healthy Ways of Managing Our Emotions at Big Hotel, Mandaue City. Eleison Foundation contributed two esteemed speakers to the occasion, namely: Ms. Carmina Domingo, MA, RPm, and Ms. Beau Marie Tinio, RPm.
Throughout the workshop, the participants were taught different kinds of emotions and the ways in handling them. The workshop includes exercises such as pre and post-tests evaluating their coping mechanisms. The speakers presented varied approaches for addressing negative or unhealthy emotional responses.
Participants engaged in Grounding Exercises during the seminar—a method aiding individuals in staying present, particularly when facing significant stress. Another technique involved breathing exercises, such as alternate nostril breathing, known for stress relief and managing overwhelming emotions.
One of the highlights during the event was the understanding that there’s no such thing as a “negative” emotion. All emotions, even those perceived as undesirable, were acknowledged as normal and valid. The participants learned that it’s acceptable to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and frustration, and that it’s okay not to be okay at times. The event served as a reminder that emotions are meant to be acknowledged and experienced. As Sigmund Freud, a prominent figure in psychology, noted, burying emotions can lead to their resurfacing in more troublesome ways.
The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between RAC Cebu and Eleison Foundation, marking the commencement of a collaborative partnership. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals in the community, particularly those facing challenges in accessing mental health support.
Emotions serve as a common thread that unites us all. Whether deemed “positive” or “negative,” and whether we embrace them or not, we all undergo emotional experiences on a daily basis. Understanding healthy methods for managing these emotions is vital. The notion that there are no “negative” emotions, and that all emotions are valid, was underscored throughout the event.
