The COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat not just to people’s physical health, but also to their emotional, mental, and psycho-social well-being. These affect people of all ages and profession especially the frontline workers including the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS). 

According to the World Health Organization, frontline and other essential workers face long hours, heavy workloads and potential stigma and discrimination due to COVID-19. Unchecked, this can lead to fatigue, mental distress, and burnout.

As frontline workers, some BNSs have been exposed to COVID-19 and have contracted the diseases as well. Some of them were quarantined in their homes or isolation facilities while some were even hospitalized due to the severity of symptoms and accompanying complications. BNSs especially those who were COVID-19 positive experience anxiety, distress, depression, anger, frustration, and desperation, among others. They, as well as their families, also experience discrimination from their neighbors once found to be positive for COVID-19.

To help BNSs cope with the mental health issues brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Nutrition Council - NCR (NNC-NCR) conducted a webinar on September 22, 2020 entitled, “Maintaining Mental Health amidst COVID-19 Pandemic”. The webinar held via Google Meet aimed to capacitate the BNSs on how to maintain their mental health and develop resilience during this pandemic. A total of 225 BNSs from the 15 cities and 1 municipality in Metro Manila, except Quezon City attended the webinar.

Youth for Mental Health Coalition National Chairperson, Dr. Raymond John “RJ” S. Naguit enlightened the participants on how to handle and manage stress, anxiety and depression caused by the pandemic. He also taught the participants various coping strategies that they can do to help adapt to the new normal and encouraged them to build habits that they can practice daily to develop resilience in dealing with the pandemic.

With all the worry, stress, and anxiety from the uncertainty about the future, Dr. Naguit urged the BNSs to still find and build hope amidst the pandemic. There is no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to self-care. Create your own self-care plan and do not be ashamed to seek professional help if needed.

Through the webinar, NNC-NCR Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo hoped that the participants will learn ways on how to keep their mental well-being and survive the pandemic with a sound mind.

“Hangad ng NNC-NCR na lahat ng Barangay Nutrition Scholars at kanilang pamilya sa Metro Manila at sa buong bansa ay manatiling ligtas sa COVID-19. Maraming, maraming salamat sa paglilingkod na inyong ginagawa bilang mga nutrition heroes ng ating bansa,” RNPC Federizo added.  (TAR/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)


Click this link for the compilation of professionals, civil society organizations, and local government units offering mental health support: http://www.silakbo.ph/help/ and https://www.nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/luzon/national-capital-region/3782-stay-sane-amidst-covid-19-reach-out-and-connect