La Madre Logia vs Stress/Anxiety

eat healthy food. Keep things in perspective. Public health agencies and experts in all countries are working on the outbreak to ensure the availability of the best care to those affected. 24. A near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel anxious or distressed. Seek information updates and practical guidance at specific times during the day from health professionals and WHO website and avoid listening to or following rumors that make you feel uncomfortable.

We should always keep in mind that self-care is not only important but is considered to be a crucial course of action. Mental health may not be as concrete as any physical illness but should be taken just as seriously. The stretch of this on-going quarantine should serve as a helping hand in further understanding ourselves – for us to be an ally of our own selves.

By Bro. Michael Jaldon, DMD (12)

On the 2nd Week of May, Nilad 12, the Mother Lodge, extended her maternal hands to the brethren after the Worshipful Master got feedback that at least two (2) from their rolls are slipping into discouragement in life. A state that could spiral down into depression.

‘’A brother called me up confiding how another member was having morbid thoughts after revealing about his faltering business. This came at a time when I myself just learned of another brother feeling very discouraged and is at the brink of anxiety,’’ reported WM Rodolfo Azanza, who upon seeing a pattern, realized that the lodge has to act quickly. Posthaste, He called up Bro. Edward Barin, their Senior Warden, to activate the Sunshine Committee for a crucial role. Together, they hammered out a plan to conduct a Call&Txt Brigade which they dubbed as “Nilad vs Stress & Anxiety.” BSW Edward was assigned to call up the senior citizens of Nilad 12. On May 14, a full team of was also assembled to assist the Brethren. Among the Nilad Volunteers were:

BSW Edward Q. Barin, MD Sunshine Committee Head

WB Rodrigo S. Fernandez Jr. Bro. Michael Jaldon Bro. Peter Julius Villarta Bro. Almel Agcolicol Bro. Bernard Pimentel Bro. Chester Paderanga Bro. Joey Doval Santos Bro. Allan Lim Bro. Ricky Aranzamendez Bro. Mike Dizon Bro. Simon Sim

“Some people are good at hiding emotions. Pero nang tinawagan na ng mga kapatid, sobrang lungkot na pala,” observed the Senior Warden. ‘’The Team is glad we caught it early to give our brothers a boost,” added BSW Edward, who is a doctor. Their Sunshine Brigade intends to clear some fences to reach out to members and let them know that the Lodge has a support group especially in these trying times.

Depression is real, my Brothers. Especially during this time of the Corona Virus pandemic, almost everyone may have lost someone or something which can trigger negative feelings that can slide into more dire situations. Let us watch out for one another.

Latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that suicide incidents rose 25.7% in 2020, making it the 27th leading cause of death in 2020, up from 31st in 2019. Some 3,529 cases of intentional self-harm were recorded in 2020, which was higher than the 2,808 deaths recorded in 2019. From 2015 to 2020, the average number of deaths caused by suicide was at 2,630.

Government officials earlier appealed to churches and spiritual leaders in the country to provide counsel and guidance to their followers to ease their anxiety and help save them from "selfdestruction" during the pandemic.