Written by Gabrielle L. Pangan
The San Beda University College of Law (SBU-COL) Guidance and Counseling Office held an onsite seminar entitled “Thriving: Essentials for your LAWful Journey at SBU” at the Jonathan Sy Auditorium on September 11, 2023. The seminar aimed to stress the importance of mental health during a student’s years in law school. Dr. Joan Mae G. Perez-Rifareal, the Residency Training Officer of the Department of Psychiatry at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, was the resource speaker for the seminar.
The seminar was spearheaded by Atty. Lyan Juanico, the SBU-COL’s administrative officer, with his opening remark: “The life of a lawyer is very toxic. More than the mastery of the codal provisions and jurisprudence, you need fortitude and empathy to survive the legal profession.”
Dr. Perez-Rifareal emphasized that stress is a normal part of life. She discussed the importance of knowing how to navigate and cope with stressors well. On the topic of burnout, she reminded students that it is a real condition and not just “arte-arte lamang.”
On the importance of resilience, Dr. Perez-Rifareal pointed out that challenges will never go away, especially in law school: “But when we are resilient, we can adapt well and bounce back from difficult challenges in life,” she said.
Furthermore, the good doctor provided three tips for helping individuals struggling with mental health concerns: first is empathize; secondly, is about listening and learning; and lastly is to ensure safety. She warned against the downplaying symptoms of mental health problems. When she asked the audience about their opinion on what to say to a person conveying that they are suffering from mental health problems, a student jestingly answered “Same,” to which the audience and speaker alike shared a hearty laugh. However, the speaker still validated the frivolous answer and reasoned that it is a form of reassurance: “we are all in this together.”
Dr. Perez-Rifareal also spoke about how the process of building resilience begins with oneself. She recounted several Bio-Psycho-Social Approach to health and wellbeing: Connection, Routine, Understanding, Mindfulness, Boundaries, and Self-care (CRUMBS). With this, she reminded the audience that law students are only humans, and they are also entitled to feel anxiety, exhaustion, burnout, stress, loss, and other emotions without feeling that these are signs of weakness.
SBU-COL’s Guidance Facilitator, Ms. Gladina Bañares, expressed her gratitude to the resource speaker for sharing her experience and expertise with the students of SBU. She also reminded students that the doors of the office of guidance and counseling are always open for students who need assistance and support.
THE BARRISTER 