Chong Hua Hospital Honors Mental Health Awareness Month by Promoting a Culture of Kindness and Empathy

As part of its month-long observance of Mental Health Awareness Month last October, the Chong Hua Hospital Section of Psychiatry, Department of Internal Medicine, in collaboration with Patient Safety Committee, held a meaningful forum titled “Turning Awareness Into Action” at Chong Hua Hospital, Cebu City.

The initiative reflected the hospital’s steadfast commitment to promoting mental health awareness among its doctors and staff, breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness, and fostering a culture of care, understanding, and compassion within its community.

The forum aimed to equip healthcare professionals with a deeper understanding of mental health—particularly depression, its underlying causes, and the importance of seeking help early. Emphasis was also placed on the power of empathy and compassion in supporting individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

Guest speakers — namely Dr. Frederick P. Tampus, Dr. Robert Irving T. Yu, Dr. Joseph James Lim, and Dr. Angie Sievert-Fernandez, RPsy — moderated by Dr. Edward Oliver O. Sy, shared valuable insights on the rising prevalence of depression and the barriers that prevent people from seeking professional help. They reminded participants that healing begins with understanding and empathy, and that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact on someone’s life.

The talk also highlighted how healthcare workers can better support patients struggling with mental health, emphasizing the importance of active listening, emotional sensitivity, and timely referral to mental health professionals. By promoting kindness and empathy throughout October’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Chong Hua Hospital reaffirmed its role as a healthcare institution that values not only the physical well-being of its patients and staff but also their emotional and mental wellness.