Transfer Journal

Mental Hygiene

Submitted to Dr. Cristina B. Celarta

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for
IE 610 Mental Hygiene and Personal Adjustment

Submitted by Maximino E. Santos Jr.

Ed. D. Industrial Education Management, Summer 2016

In the light of recent news in both traditional and on online media about depression, some cases even
leading to fatalities, I am thankful that I was entrusted by Dr. Celarta to facilitate the discussion of the
subject matter. Her thought provoking methodology has set me into a state of rediscovery and
introspection with regards to how I am able to deal with Mental Hygiene in the disposal of my duties as
an educator who comes across different students with their own unique personalities and disposition.

Dr. Celarta was able to steer me unto the right path to be able to have a solid grasp of how to deal with
them and understand what they are going through. It was instrumental in equipping me with knowledge
to identify whether the behavior is part of a childs natural personality of if there is something amiss in
terms of mental wellbeing.

Participation in classroom activities is one area where this was most applicable. There are children who
are just shy and needed to warm up to both peer and teacher, while there are those who are
uncomfortably quiet and keeps to themselves. In the discussion on diagnosis, I was able to apply the Case
History Method, a basic and yet most oftentimes overlooked facet of trying to understand what the
problem is. It is but common practice for teachers to share their experiences with their students, these
instances of comparing notes was vital in building a clear background about a child. Reaching out to their
families, a practice encouraged by the Department of Education, which makes the education process an
inclusive, holistic and community practice galvanizes a clear image of the childs mental wellbeing.

The successful diagnosis of the problem is a key step towards resolving the issue and at the end prevent
adverse consequences. Indeed, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; in the same light, early
intervention is a potent weapon in combatting what may be construed as mere caprice, if not dismissed
altogether as a fault of with todays generation.

The earlier we are able to come to terms with the challenges of mental health, which the subject had
inculcated in me as a person, the easier it will be to resolve the issue and get our youth to absorb what
they are taught.