Coping with depression

Well-being is not limited to the physical aspect of our lives. Having the perfect body, the six-pack abs or the flexibility of a python may not necessarily be the best indicators for feeling well, much less being well. As often said, “Sometimes what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

We can steel our bodies against disease with diet, exercise, and supplements. We can stay away from environments that may not be conducive to our health and gravitate towards places that make us feel strong and protected. But what happens when the tangible signs are not so obvious? When the symptoms are so subtle that we are not even aware that we can be in danger? How do we preserve our well-being then? 

Knowledge… 

As trite as it sounds, knowledge is power — most especially when dealing with depression. Founded in 2007, the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) began its mission to promote a consciousness and understanding for depression as a medical condition. Supported by a series of awareness lectures, both local and international, as well as media coverage via print, radio, and TV, it has achieved considerable success in its commitment to convey the message about the nature of depression and how, at its worst, it can lead to the reality of suicide.

Similarly, it saw the urgent need to establish the Information and Crisis Intervention Center (ICIC). Its curriculum was co-authored by leading medical luminaries: Dr. Cornelio Banaag,  Dr. Ma. Lourdes A. Carandang, Dr. Eleanor Ronquillo, and Dr. Richard Soler. These centers are hubs of communication where one-to-one telephone conversations support callers in crisis due to issues of depression or possible suicide. Through established protocols, ICIC has made quick responses by qualified, trained, and certified responders available to all who may need it. These onsite advocates (responders) man crisis-lines 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They give information on depression as well as crisis counseling to each caller. The dedication to deliver information and education faster, more efficiently, and on as wide a scale as possible continues to characterize all NGF’s many programs. It remains their goal to prevent, recognize, and treat this mental illness in the best way possible.

NGF’s efforts include a nationwide campaign through the partnering of institutions such as: the World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). They have also embarked on a new campaign called “Mindstrong,” which focuses on mental fitness to fight depression. Based on a philosophy of holistic empowerment, it encourages mental health through proper nutrition and exercise. It hopes to train students and volunteers to become able counselors and strategically assign them to barangays and public schools as part and parcel of the Mindstrong medical missions.

The Mindstrong mission is three-fold. It seeks to guide people in processing their problems and issues. It works to encourage a positive attitude in addressing life’s challenges, and it aims to help people truly thrive and flourish in an increasingly complicated, demanding world. 

“Knowing about depression can decrease the risk of suicide.” The Natasha Goulbourn Foundation is all about spreading this message. It is all about knowledge that brings hope and hope that begins the journey to joy. It is amazing how simply knowing can actually save a life.

However, furthering their cause or lending a helping hand is not at all limited to medical practitioners or qualified responders. You can also lend your support and so can your children. Named after one of the sweetest and most childlike of human beings, NGF prides itself on limiting the power of death by celebrating life.

With the help of Aqualogic Swim Co. founder, Ria Mackay, NGF has partnered up for a fundraiser Swim-a-thon. With the participation of generous sponsors: Crocs, Mustela, Aqua Sphere, Salice, and Celergen, the 2013 Aqualogic Swim Co. summer event will be held on June 9 at the Village Sports Club in BF Parañaque. It an opportunity to raise both funds as well as awareness and have a wonderful time doing it. Registration is at 9 a.m., followed by a swim exhibition of AquaBabes/Aqua Kids students at 9:30 a.m. and a mermaid show at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are at P550 for Aqualogic students and P450 for non-Aqualogic students.

Participants can earn money for the foundation by swimming lengths of the pool. Swim laps are inclusive of a 15-minute period for kids 12 years old and below and a 30-minute period for those 13 years old and above. Participants can get their community involved through pledges from family, neighbors, friends, and business ventures as a means to support their efforts. Not to miss out on any of the fun, this event seeks to include the very young as well. Special Aqualogic students: a selection of  infant-toddlers, novice swimmers, and intermediate and advanced participants will also stage an exhibition swim for the event. If that isn’t enough, a synchronized swimming segment will also be showcased by Aquasync’s very own coach Ida Calumpang. An auction for charity composed of various items as well as swimming lessons conducted by Aqualogic will be held — all activities are aimed at bringing out the child in everyone and the joy of living.

As part of NGF’s fundraising events, this is an example where real healing can begin and real help can be extended — in the midst of family and friends. Everyone can contribute to make a difference.

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E-mail tcbautista@arkeology.org.