Webinar on Mental Health

For all of us, the COVID-19 outbreak is a revelation of how fragile our  lives can be. Yet this pandemic has also tested our resilience amidst adversity.

Covid -19  has changed the way in which most of us live and how we perform our basic day to day functions. It has disrupted our routines, obstructed travel, secluded us from the rest of the world and to us in the academic community, it has challenged our ability to deliver education to our clientele.

At Aldersgate College, like most schools all over the country, we have switched over to alternative modes of delivery of instruction and implement flexible schedules and work-from-home set-ups for our employees.

We always try to  think of ways to keep our  people safe, contain the spread of the virus and  continue our operations effectively during this crisis.

As a Christian institution, we try to approach this human crisis with empathy as we support our employees, making sure that they get proper access to the necessary technology to navigate the new normal in education. To our dear members of  the AC community, we do not stop thinking of ways to empower you and keep you informed and updated on new developments, strategies and work arrangements.

This webinar on mental health is one of the administration’s attempts at helping our employees cope with the demands of the new normal.

The sudden change in the way we live has left many people helpless, disappointed, discouraged, stressed, afraid and even angry.  For all we know, people in our families, neighborhood and workplace may be part of the 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year, who are struggling with mental health problems.  But many of those affected do not receive proper  treatment, often because of the stigma attached to mental health or our own unawareness of what mental illness is. If left untreated, mental problems can contribute to poor performance at school and work, less  employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide.

Depression. Anxiety. Suicide. Fear. Paranoia. They are real.

I am saddened by the fact that one of our students committed suicide very recently.

And my son was talking about a colleague who had to resign from his job because he found it difficult to cope with the pressure and demands of his job.

I hope this webinar has widened our awareness of the fact that there are  people who need our help in managing the challenges of this thing called the new normal. Let us take time to listen to the cries of the world, the nation, our community, our family. By being sensitive to the needs of others around us, we would be able to extend a helping hand.  

On the other hand, if we think it is us, who need help, let us not hesitate to seek it. There are many of us who are ready to listen and join you in your journey. I am here, ready to listen, ready to help. Your AC family is here.We are here.

One  important lesson that this pandemic has taught me is the fact that “Adversaries are God’s ways of humbling us, teaching us to depend on Him rather than on the things of this world. Even in our brokenness we find hope. Everyday brings its own troubles, but it also brings its mercies. God allows grief, which serves a merciful purpose if we trust God.”

In closing, let me quote fro the character of US President Tom Kirkman, in Designated Survivor (Netflix series):

“We are not defined by our difficulties. We are defined by how we respond to them and my response is to fight.”

Together, we can fight. Together we will succeed.