Sa Labas ng Classroom (Outside the Classroom)

"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness." -Brene Brown

Disclaimer: This episode contains themes related to suicidality.

If you think and/or feel that this episode is too heavy to listen to or that you are not entirely ready to listen to the episode, I encourage you to skip this episode. You may return to this episode when you feel better :)

Similarly, if you feel intense negative emotions after listening to this episode, you may send me an email ([email protected]) so we can discuss about your feelings about the episode.

Should you be interested to seek help, you may also refer to the following links for organizations that offer services related to mental health:

Hotlines:

https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline

https://www.mhfirstresponse.org/crisis--treatment-centers.html

https://www.webbline.com/list-of-suicide-prevention-hotlines-in-the-philippines/

https://blog.opencounseling.com/hotlines-ph/

Clinics:

https://mentalhealthph.org/directory/

https://philstarlife.com/self/156907-list-mental-health-care-facilities

---

Connecting the previous celebration of National Suicide Prevention Week to today's celebration of World Mental Health Day, this episode features a guest whom I met online in my advocacy for mental health. Eunice 'Euni' Jean Patron is my partner-in-advocacy in the The 100% Attitude Project and the Communications Director of Project SMILE. Her openness in sharing her story and journey is emphasized in our discussion, as she includes how her degree helps her advocacies. We also talk about the importance of talking about suicide, and helping other people get through the darker chapters of their lives by being a helping hand and a listening ear. This kwentuhan session is relatively short, but is definitely an insightful one!

In the continuation of my conversation with Antonia and Rubertha, they share some details about their research journey. They also talk about how their thesis experience affected their career goals. 

Disclaimer: The episode discusses suicidality.

In support of the National Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13) in the Philippines, Sa Labas ng Classroom will feature episodes that shed light about suicidality. If you think and/or feel that this episode is too heavy to listen to or that you are not entirely ready to listen to the episode, I encourage you to skip this episode. You may return to this episode when you feel better :)

Similarly, if you feel intense negative emotions after listening to this episode, you may send me an email ([email protected]) so we can discuss about your feelings about the episode.

Should you be interested to seek help, you may also refer to the following links for organizations that offer services related to mental health:

Hotlines:

https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline

https://www.mhfirstresponse.org/crisis--treatment-centers.html

https://www.webbline.com/list-of-suicide-prevention-hotlines-in-the-philippines/

https://blog.opencounseling.com/hotlines-ph/

Clinics:

https://mentalhealthph.org/directory/

https://philstarlife.com/self/156907-list-mental-health-care-facilities

---

Suicidality among bisexual youths: the role of parental sexual orientation support and concealment.

Reyes, M., Escote, A., Ferrer, A., Marpuri, J., Santos, A., Torres, R., Cayubit, R., & Bacaoco, J. (2022).

Compared with the heterosexual population, the prevalence of mental health outcomes such as suicidality (suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts) is higher among sexual minority youth, particularly those who identify themselves as bisexuals. Bisexuals are at an even elevated risk within the LGB populations due to biphobia, monosexism, bisexual invisibility or erasure, and lack of support resources. These experiences may bring about issues regarding concealment of their sexual orientation linked to suicidality. Studies have also identified that parental support is a protective factor against suicidality among the youth, particularly their sexual orientation. The present study used a cross-sectional, predictive research design to examine parental sexual orientation support and concealment and their associations and predictive abilities in the suicidality of 151 Filipino bisexual youths aged 18-24 years old. The participants were recruited online within six months, from July 2021 to December 2021. As measured by the Parental Support for Sexual Orientation Scale, Sexual Orientation Concealment Scale, and Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, results showed that among our bisexual participants, parental sexual orientation support and concealment did not have a significant relationship with and could not predict their risk for suicidality. Limitations and suggestions for further research were discussed, considering our findings.

Keywords: Bisexuals; Concealment; Filipino; Parental support; Suicidality

PMID: 35967510

PMCID: PMC9358384

DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03474-4

In support of the National Suicide Prevention Week (September 9-13) in the Philippines, Sa Labas ng Classroom will feature episodes that shed light about suicidality. If you think and/or feel that this episode is too heavy to listen to or that you are not entirely ready to listen to the episode, I encourage you to skip this episode. You may return to this episode when you feel better :)

Similarly, if you feel intense negative emotions after listening to this episode, you may send me an email ([email protected]) so we can discuss about your feelings about the episode.  

Should you be interested to seek help, you may also refer to the following links for organizations that offer services related to mental health:

Hotlines:

https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline

https://www.mhfirstresponse.org/crisis--treatment-centers.html

https://www.webbline.com/list-of-suicide-prevention-hotlines-in-the-philippines/

https://blog.opencounseling.com/hotlines-ph/

Clinics:

https://mentalhealthph.org/directory/

https://philstarlife.com/self/156907-list-mental-health-care-facilities

---

Disclaimer: The episode discusses suicidality. 

Suicidality among bisexual youths: the role of parental sexual orientation support and concealment.

Reyes, M., Escote, A., Ferrer, A., Marpuri, J., Santos, A., Torres, R., Cayubit, R., & Bacaoco, J. (2022). 

Compared with the heterosexual population, the prevalence of mental health outcomes such as suicidality (suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts) is higher among sexual minority youth, particularly those who identify themselves as bisexuals. Bisexuals are at an even elevated risk within the LGB populations due to biphobia, monosexism, bisexual invisibility or erasure, and lack of support resources. These experiences may bring about issues regarding concealment of their sexual orientation linked to suicidality. Studies have also identified that parental support is a protective factor against suicidality among the youth, particularly their sexual orientation. The present study used a cross-sectional, predictive research design to examine parental sexual orientation support and concealment and their associations and predictive abilities in the suicidality of 151 Filipino bisexual youths aged 18-24 years old. The participants were recruited online within six months, from July 2021 to December 2021. As measured by the Parental Support for Sexual Orientation Scale, Sexual Orientation Concealment Scale, and Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, results showed that among our bisexual participants, parental sexual orientation support and concealment did not have a significant relationship with and could not predict their risk for suicidality. Limitations and suggestions for further research were discussed, considering our findings.

Keywords: Bisexuals; Concealment; Filipino; Parental support; Suicidality

PMID: 35967510       

PMCID: PMC9358384        

DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03474-4

Disclaimer: The episode mentions broken family, parenthood, and relationships. Also, portions of the episode contain background noises.

"Life is full of positive and negative experiences, but the quality of one's life will always depend on the ones that dominate one's focus the most." 

- Edmond Mbiaka

As a returning guest, James Casino initiates a conversation about how we can turn a negative experience to a positive one. He acknowledges that the topic itself is broad, and chose to center our discussion around relationships. Starting from rock bottom and reaching where he is today, James' progress as a person can easily be viewed as an inspiration. Anchoring his insights on his personal experience, specifically about growing up in a broken family and choosing to be responsible for his daughter, may this conversation encourage us to find the silver lining in our current life, despite the struggles we sometimes choose to keep silent about. 

While waiting for his podcast, Uplift from Within, you may follow and send a message to James via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.f.casino

Hi everyone! I'm looking for participants for a research I am working on.

Title: Sa Labas ng Classroom: Mga Kontribusyon ng Podcast sa Konsepto ng mga Tagapakinig tungkol sa Kalusugang Pangkaisipan (Outside the Classroom: The Contributions of the Podcast to the Listeners’ Concepts about Mental Health)

Requirements:

- Filipino

- Must have listened to one or more episodes of the Sa Labas ng Classroom podcast

Here's the link of the questionnaire:

https://bit.ly/SLCPodcastResearch

https://bit.ly/SLCPodcastResearch

https://bit.ly/SLCPodcastResearch

The research is in Tagalog (and I strongly encourage you to answer using Tagalog too), but you may still answer using your preferred language.

I will be conducting a raffle for 3 winners of Php 100 GCash. Please help me share this post to your family and friends (who have listened to, and who plan to listen to the podcast soonest). Thank you in advance to all participants!

P.S. The questionnaire will ask for your preferred code name instead of your real name. This means that I won't still know who you are if you join the raffle. I will also be using indicated phone numbers for the raffle :)

"Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long." - Michael Gungor

After being inspired by the news that her art has been featured in the Flowery Lingerie exhibit of Gallery IYN in Osaka, Japan, I invited Priscilla Dayandante to record a podcast episode. As the genuine artist that she is, she suggested that we talk about pursuing passions and creative burnout. So, here we are! 

In this episode, Ella (though I call her Prizi), emphasizes the importance of taking and doing the first step despite the effect of fear/s. She also becomes vulnerable as she shares her experience of creative burnout, the things that inspire her, and how burnout changed her artistic style. We even discuss how we view art pieces that we consider as 'personal'. Listen to our dynamic conversation as we share insights about the hustle culture and go beyond the usual "passion vs. degree" context. You also don't want to miss what objects Ella compares 'passion' to!

Follow Ella (@ohwelladays) and watch her vlogs at ohwellaways (youtube.com/channel/UC2APhI-dlhBK1eYOFW5WsVQ)

Disclaimer: Portions of the episode contain background noises

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest achievement." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Continuing the previous episode, Wym, Rebecca, Laisa and Paul answer my random question that transformed our conversation to a job interview and maybe even, a beauty pageant. Jokes aside, I feel proud to hear how these former students of mine share what they can uniquely contribute as new professionals in the workplace and in the society. Their answers include providing service and knowledge, giving back to the community, influencing the government to address accessibility of mental health services, and giving importance to interpersonal relationships. Could you guess who answered which statement? Listen to the episode to find out!

Disclaimer: This episode mentions discrimination and stereotyping. Portions of the episode vary in volume.

"Every new experience brings its own maturity and a greater clarity of vision." - Indira Gandhi

Months later, the conversation with some of my former students finally comes to light. Let's listen to Wymberly Lumpias, Rebecca Billao, Laisa Berato, and Paul Jacalan as they share their experiences of being a part of the first K-12 batch in the country. We explore their impressions - about the supposed lesser years to be spent in college to the expectation of aligning with globalization, from the consequences in financial matters to the anticipation of learning more about a specific field. We also talk about their choice of educational strand and the most memorable lessons they gained from their senior high school days.

What do you remember about your student days? We would love to listen to your insights!

Disclaimer: This episode mentions self-harm, depression, difficult emotions, and other mental health jargon. Portions of the episode vary in volume.

"Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step." - Mariska Hargitay

In the second installment of our conversation, ate Daryl "Danae" Gallardo-Espelita, talks about how bipolar disorder affects her experience of impulsive decisions, memory loss, and potentially harmful urges. She also elaborates on the dangers of stopping medication, and shared the importance of the triangle plan of treatment. We also address the gravity of a good support system, including how being more proactive in changing the dynamics of communication and relationships help in the management of symptoms.

Listen in on our conversation, and share what you learned to your family and friends! We would love to listen to your insights!

Disclaimer: This episode mentions self-harm, difficult emotions, and other mental health jargon. Portions of the episode may include barking of dogs and other noises.

"I have had manic-depressive illness, also knows as bipolar disorder, since I was 18 years old. It is an illness that ensures that those who have it will experience a frightening, chaotic and emotional ride. It is not a gentle or easy disease. - Kay Redfield Jamison

In this sleepover-like conversation with Daryl "Danae" Gallardo-Espelita, we debunk a few myths related to bipolar disorder. We talk about the importance of labels, but also address mislabeling. Ate Daryl, as I fondly call her, openly share some of her personal experiences of depressive episodes and mania. She also discusses the importance of therapy, and how therapy is like dating. Learn more about how someone with bipolar disorder might encounter emotions as she elaborates on the 'fun' and not-so-fun parts of mania.