CEBU CITY – ExZyt and the Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. (PMHAI) with Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CITU) and Gaisano Mall of Cebu mounted a taste of OTAKUS, Assemble! Cosplay and Charity Dance and Superheroes for Mental Health (#SH4MH), a unique campaign for mental health awareness on October 5 at the Atrium GMall of Cebu.
“This is Year 3 of the #SH4MH, as we join the World Mental Health Day celebration since 2020. Dance Fuzion Marathon! Let's Dance-for-a-Cause for this year and 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to the indigent patients of mental health clinics and outreach programs in far-flung barangays all over Cebu, including victims of Gender-Based Violence and trauma,” Heno Rey Chin, organizer of the yearly event told this writer.
The venue was filled with best Disney-themed, Anime Cosplay, Superhero outfit/masks, or simply any All-White or All-Black attire, as the dancers grooved to awesome beats. Tons of prizes and raffles were also at stake courtesy of their beloved event partners, Chin said.
What inspired Heno Rey for #SH4MH campaign?
Heno Rey Chin is a professor at the ETEEAP/SBM of the University of San Jose-Recoletos since 2010 and he is a licensed ZIN Coach since 2016, having taught in World Gym Canada and LA Fitness. He is also a member of the Philippine Mental Health Association since 2020, amid the growing importance of mental health in the light of the pandemic.
Heno shared with this writer that he was diagnosed with anxiety and clinical depression in 2006 and having struggled through most of his adult life and he relies on taking seven psychiatric medications daily to function.
“I am so grateful for the government’s mental health initiatives. I realized, however, that such interventions may not be enough especially for those in far-flung areas or those underprivileged needing psychological care, hence my desire to partner with various stakeholders to magnify the advocacy as a whole,” Heno Rey said.
Heno Rey bared that he has been organizing advocacy events in his years at the University of the Philippines, but just recently renewed his passion for the mental health advocacy as he empathizes with people who suffer with mental health, disorders and other trauma.
He narrated how devastated he was when his former student committed suicide two months ago, and his neighbor a month later. “I know the value of mental health care having experienced the struggles myself,” Heno Rey added.
Heno Rey wants to continue raising awareness for mental health, hoping that everyone realizes that there is hope, and there is help. He encourages everyone to not be embarrassed to seek help.
“If you or your loved ones are going through
depression, please know that mental health professionals are always ready to
help 24/7. Call the Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline 0917-558-HOPE
(4673); 0917-899-USAP (8727) & 0963-351-4518,” Heno Rey concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman)
No comments:
Post a Comment