There’s no health without mental health

Back in school when we talked nonsense and laughed and made fun of each other, the favorite Tagalog word to describe it was the word ulol.  Little did we know that it literally meant being mentally and psychologically unsound.

I had one classmate who fit the description.  She was a study in contrast.  Sharp, brainy, and comical.  She stood out for her solid grasp of math, truly a numbers genius.  In her lucid days.

When the demons returned, unable to keep a grip on herself, she turned fidgety, talked gibberish, and eerily frightened me.  With piercing eyes, she’d whisper, “The voices are back.  What will I do?”  Fumbling for words, I’d steady her shoulders, “Don’t worry.  It will soon pass.”  She’d break into a faint smile and walk away, maybe, fearful of what she might do to me and helpless to control it, if and when it did happen.

After graduation, I visited her in the basement of a hospital, exclusively reserved for patients with mental problems.  She was obese, had pimples, and walked with a dazed look.  “How are you?  Are you taking your medicines?  When will you go home?” I asked.  She laughed, “Now, which one should I answer first?”  Shaking her head, she begged, “Pray, pray for me.”

In her room, there was a large piece of linen mounted on a wooden frame and propped on an easel stand.  I exclaimed, “Wow!  You’re making a tapestry?”  She smiled, “Yes, and no.  I started it, but I don’t know whether I can finish it, in time.”  I egged her on.  The picture seemed to capture whatever thoughts she kept in her head.  “Someday,” she began, “I’d own it — the sunshine, the flowers and river running free.” 

When I moved overseas, I lost contact.  Did my postcards ever reach the hospital?  An acquaintance told me that she was eventually discharged.

Cured!

However, she was besieged by a fragile heart that eventually did her in. 

“Did she finish the tapestry?”  I asked.  “Yes!” came the reply.  “It calmed her.  In fact, it gave her a fresh perspective.”  The needlecraft boosted her confidence, made her believe that everyone was entitled to a new beginning, her rainbow after the rain.

I thought that was most comforting. 

This is what art can do.

Recently, Jeannie Goulbourn of NGF Foundation shared the works of young artists from the UP Junior Marketing Association in an outdoor photo art exhibit called “Spark.”

 My heart skipped a beat.  I saw my friend sitting in front of her canvas, studying the dark pattern that will soon disperse whatever shadows were looming inside her.  Light, not darkness, hope not despair.

 There was Gab Mejia and his interpretation of “Conquering Galaxies” showing the artist’s ability to seek the world of his dreams.  In the midst of hardship and darkness, never give up.  There is always something worthwhile to hold on to.  Like the millions of stars that have been placed above to accompany us in our journey, always snap-ready to win the battles for us.  Millions of stars, millions of light.

“Sailing through the Stars” — find the light that leads to clarity of mind and finally, peace.  Never forget the presence of parents, friends, and the community, who hold our hand when we journey. 

“Kaleidoscope” by Agnes Axalan was my favorite.  It showed a whole wall made of rectangular-shaped beveled glass that captured the light and emitted different colors; like the shifting moods that we experience in the course of the day.  Agnes said, “We are all struggling in our own scuffles, but just hang in there.  Something beautiful awaits you.”    

I read about another photo showing an angry waterfall surging relentlessly and plunging and pounding down a heavy wall of rocks.  Note the description:  “The sky was dark; there was a streak of lightning where the trees and grasses on top of the cliff were forcefully bent by the burly wind.  You could see the turmoil and feel the tension.”  “Look again,” urged the artist.  Behind the turbulence of its surroundings — unafraid and so serene — a little bird on its nest slept soundly.  What did it mean?  From within, find the peace, in spite of the storm that is raging around you. 

Jeannie remarked, “The campaign won’t stop here.  For every 40 seconds, a life may be lost to suicide.”  A project entitled “Hope in 40 seconds” has been launched, with NGF partnering with the Department of Health and Globe Telecom. An animated video is due for release that highlights the awareness on depression, suicide, prevention, and mental wellness.

Secretary of Health Paulyn Ubial agreed with NGF’s drive.  “In the field of health and wellness, there’s no health without mental health.”

Add to this, Jeannie’s ounce of prevention, “Run, dance, laugh, and pray.  Stay healthy, avail of quality health services and be assured that life is worth every struggle and every challenge.  Live and love it.” 

“Mental health is a significant aspect of our lives,” continued Jeannie.  There is help, available 24/7.

Why pass up the magnificence of our very own sunrise? 

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NGF/Hopeline: 804-4673 (HOPE), 09175584673 (HOPE), 09178684673 (for Visayas & Mindanao) and 2919, toll-free for Globe/TM subscribers.