Press release

Sun Life Champions Mental Health in "Safe Space" Series

The importance of mental health has come to the fore in this pandemic, as Filipinos struggled to cope with various challenges, such as isolation from family and friends, new work landscapes, and disruptions in relationships.

As an advocate of holistic health, Sun Life Philippines aims to help address the situation. The company has collaborated with the Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. (PMHA) for a free webinar series entitled Safe Space. The series will feature experts discussing issues that Filipinos are facing in the present, as well as practical ways to cope with the triggers that affect their mental health.

Safe Space opens on April 9 at 10 am, with “Love 'em, Hate 'em, Stress 'em: Mental Wellness for the Family.” It will feature PMHA Resource Speaker Dr. Sheila Marie Hocson and social anthropologist John Gappy, who will shed light on the ways that the pandemic has affected family dynamics and how one can cope with the changes. 

The next episode, “Imperfect Balance: How Mental Wellness Bridges Work and Life,” takes place on May 14 at 10 am. PMHA National Executive Director Dr. Carolina Uno-Rayco will join Gappy in discussing the struggles of adapting to the new work set-up borne out of the pandemic and answering queries to be sent in by viewers. 

The series will close with “You are Worth It: Illuminating a Path towards Holistic Health” happening on June 18 at 10 AM. The discussion will revolve around the importance of going beyond fitness when it comes to securing one’s health. PMHA Lifetime Member Dr. Eric Marc Reyes and Gappy will be on hand to facilitate the session of offering sound advice. 

“The pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health. We aim to be there for them as they strive to address the situation,” Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. President Alex Narciso said. “We take to heart our promise to be their partner for life, and we look forward to walking this journey with them.”