In observance of Suicide Prevention Month, the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) of all CBSUA campuses spearheaded a meaningful seminar titled “Breaking the Silence, Embracing Open Conversations about Mental Health” on September 30, 2025. The activity was held through a Google Meet session and was also livestreamed via the OSAS Official Facebook Page.
The seminar aimed to raise awareness about mental health concerns, foster compassion among the academic community, and encourage safe and open conversations about suicide prevention. Resource person, Ms. Odette E. Esteve, Registered Psychologist, highlighted the importance of early intervention, supportive peer networks, and the role of guidance and counseling services in addressing emotional and psychological challenges faced by students.
Participants actively engaged in the discussions by sharing insights and reflections, which created a safe and empathetic virtual space for dialogue. The session emphasized the message that seeking help is a sign of strength, and that every individual has a role in creating a culture of care and support.
Through this initiative, OSAS reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental health awareness and supporting the holistic well-being of students. The seminar served as a reminder that by breaking the silence and embracing open conversations, communities can work together to prevent suicide and save lives. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘈𝘧𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴
