Zonta Club of Laguna II tackles youth mental health crisis

The Zonta Club of Laguna II, Philippines, successfully organized a webinar on Mental Wellness and Resilience for Youth, bringing together students, educators and community members to address one of the most pressing challenges facing young people today. Led by Club President Ana Katrina de Jesus, the virtual event held on 13 October 2025 drew around 200 participants from various educational institutions across Laguna and La Union, including Alpha Angelicum Academy, Holy Redeemer School of Cabuyao and BHC Educational Institution Inc.

Held in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, the webinar featured Professor Jholyan Francis Fornillos, a licensed psychologist with expertise in providing mental health and psychosocial support, particularly in disaster and crisis settings. Professor Fornillos delivered an engaging presentation on mental health awareness, early warning signs and strategies for building resilience among youth.

Professor Jholyan set the context by presenting critical gaps in mental health support in the Philippines, where mental health professionals remain scarce, particularly in provincial areas. After this, foundational concepts were laid out, including an understanding of resilience as not merely an internal attribute but "a developmental process influenced by both internal attributes and environmental factors, emphasizing the importance of support from family, friends, community organizations, schools and government."

Participants learned to recognize early warning signs of mental health issues, such as significant changes in sleep or eating habits, sudden shifts in emotions, social withdrawal, struggling with school or work, difficulty concentrating, and loss of interest or motivation. The presentation emphasized that "prevention is better than cure" when addressing mental health challenges.

More importantly, participants learned the PERMA+ model, focusing on positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment, with a focus on optimism, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. Professor Jholyan highlighted practical strategies, including self-reflection, spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, exposure to nature, practicing gratitude and mindfulness and building strong social support networks.

This initiative aligns with Zonta's mission to build a better world for women and girls. Mental health challenges disproportionately affect young women, who face unique pressures including social comparisons, relationship dynamics and societal expectations. By creating a space for sharing evidence-based education and practical coping strategies, the Zonta Club of Laguna II has helped equip young participants with tools to cultivate mental wellness and support their peers.