Home > Student Life > Guidance Office

Guidance Office

Mental Health Support Staff

Mental Health Support Staff

How to Begin Your Consultation with the Guidance Counselor

 

RESILIENCE STRATEGIES
As a medical student or a molecular medicine student every level and step of your journey comes with challenges that could range from easy, average and difficult. You may tap your own coping resources as we all have one. You may identify your protective factors that could help you achieve adjustment and change at that time. During times when your situation seems difficult and not easy to redirect and plan ways for it to be overcome. There are strategies you can do to stay resilient during challenging times.

 

WITH AN OPEN HEART EMBRACE CHANGE
When you are faced with unexpected shifts, you try to view them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Change is a constant in life, learning to welcome it builds resilience. Embracing change does not mean you won’t feel uncertain and anxious at times. Acknowledge your emotions and allow yourself to process them. Be willing to adjust your plans and expectations as circumstances shift.

 

CULTIVATE GROWTH MINDSET
We all have the capacity to develop our abilities through effort, learning and persistence. When faced with setbacks ask yourself what you can learn from the experience. Shift in thinking can transform your approach to adversity. Practice positive self-talk and reframe negative thoughts. Instead of saying “I can’t do these” try “I can’t do this yet but I’m learning. Things you say to yourself can have a big impact to your motivation and
Resilience.

 

THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH
We all want to avoid and escape difficult situations confronting us and this is but natural. But the most effective path forward is to face the obstacles head-on. This doesn’t make the journey easy, but it can make it meaningful. If you get stuck, remind yourself to push through discomfort, take small steps forward.

 

TRY GRATITUDE JOURNAL
Consider a dedicated notebook or app to keep jotting down three things you appreciate and are thankful about. Simple pleasures like your delicious breakfast, a good cup of coffee, a kind gesture from a friend or beautiful weather. As you do this everyday, you will notice and find more positive aspects of your day.Writing down what you appreciate and grateful for the shift from the challenges to the more positive things in your life. This in turn reduces your stress and anxiety, improves your sleep and boosts your overall wellbeing.

 

TRY MINDFUL BREATHING
Is a simple technique that allows you to focus on your breath bringing your attention to the present moment. To do this; First find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, focus on the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest and abdomen with each breath. As thoughts enter your mind, gently acknowledge them without judgement and return your focus to your breath. Start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase duration as you become more comfortable with the practice. This practice can help reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and boost your overall sense of well-being.

 

CONNECT WITH SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Connections provide emotional support and practical help when you need it most. Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive people like Your family members, friends or colleagues can make a big difference during challenging times. You may also consider joining support groups aligned with your interest or current situations. Whether online or in-person, these groups offer a sense of belonging and shared experiences like learning from their coping strategies. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re struggling. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others helps process difficult emotions and gain new perspectives. Volunteering or participating in community events can also boost resilience. When you help others it gives a sense of purpose and connections taking your mind off personal troubles.

 

SET REALISTIC AND ACHIEVABLE GOALS
Consider your current circumstances and resources when setting goals. Start by breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. Be honest with yourself about what you can accomplish given your time, energy and available support. Regularly review and update your goals as your situation changes. Remember that setbacks are normal and don’t define your worth and potential. If difficulties arise, take a step back, reassess, and adjust your approach. Learn to adjust and persevere to keep growing your resilience.

 

DEVELOP A SELF-CARE PLAN
Take time to identify activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It may include exercise, meditation, reading, or spending time in nature. Schedule activities that bring you joy and relaxation and schedule them into your daily or weekly routine, treat them as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself. A care plan needs to also include you getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. Social connections are also included in your plan- reach out with friends, family or support groups when you need someone to talk or simply enjoy company. Be open to adjusting your self-care plan, what works for you today might not work tomorrow. The goal of the self-care The plan is to create a sustainable routine that supports your well-being during tough times.

 

CONNECT WITH YOUR GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
If you feel that your stress level is so high that it is interfering with your schoolwork,
training, relationships or enjoyment of life. You may schedule a consultation and speak with your Guidance Counselor.

Email here: [email protected]
Call (02) 723-0101 local 3821
Message 09992204956

 

Office Location, Opening Hours and Communication Numbers
Room 913 near 9th Floor Building Exit
Monday to Friday-8:00am-12noon and 1:00pm-5:00pm
Telephone Number (02) 723 -0101 local 3821
Cellphone Number 09992204956

 

Services Offered

 

Guidance Service
Individual Inventory – processed during the period of enrolment of all incoming year level one (YL1) every new academic year the Student Information Form(SIF) and the Consent of the Data Subject(CDS) which contains student personal information as they start their medicine program Information-information dissemination like psychoeducational statements on mental health awareness, coping skills, stress management, emotion regulation, resilience and the like; part of the orientation for every new academic year Consultation- giving information on how to avail the services of the office through onsite, online or sms and secured social media platforms; asking advice on research matters related to mental health and other inquiries; not
counseling.

 

Appraisal Service
Mental Health Screening-Student Health questionnaire is a yearly activity, this is the way to screen and monitor mental health wellness of the student as they enter a new school year. The appraisal tests compose of items and scales measuring personality, depression, anxiety and burnout inventory. Results are categorized as; does not need counseling, needs counseling and or needs referral to other mental health Professional.

 

Counseling Service
The goal of counseling is directed towards helping individual students adjust, make decisions and achieve change; help them to come up with a plan on how to go about current challenging situations that could affect their academic, social, personal and psychological life; and managing individuals experiencing crisis situations. This is a professional relationship of a Counselor and a Counselee.

 

Referral Service
Facilitation of referral to other Mental health professionals like the in-house Psychiatrist. This service is tapped when the students’ mental health challenges are beyond the professional scope of the Guidance Counselor. Referral can also happen when a student refer another student (peer referral) for observable mh challenges or administration/faculty/mentor/staff refer a student and or other individual from the
Lukan Community for observable mh challenges or signs and symptoms. Follow-up Service – Continuation of the Guidance Counselors service to evaluate the effectiveness of counseling, referral and other services and intervention provided to individual students and the community.

 

How to Avail the Services
Email the Guidance Counselor here; [email protected] to inquire and set a schedule for the services you need. You may also message 09992204956 -make sure to state your full name, year level and the services you want to avail.