TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW 1

BACKGROUND 3

RATIONALE 8

STATEMENT OF NEED 9

VISION, MISSION & VALUE OF THE PROGRAM 9

CRSAFP MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM WEBSITE 10

OBJECTIVES OF CRSAFP MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM 13

TARGET 14

GOAL 14

TIMELINE 14

PROJECT EXECUTION 16

CRSAFP MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM 19

SERVICES 20

CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES 23

PROJECT REQUIREMENT 25

LIST OF PROGRAMMED TRAINING 26

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11036 IN THE MILITARY SETTING 27

1
 THE CRSAFP MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM

OVERVIEW

It is the aspiration of the Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines

to deliver successfully its role in winning people’s hearts and minds through the conduct

of Information Support Affairs and Civil Affairs. The CRSAFP prioritizes the mental well-

being of its personnel due to the unique challenges and stresses they face in

establishing positive relationships between the military and civilian communities. The

significance of the CRSAFP Mental Wellness Program lies in its potential to positively

impact the well-being and operational readiness of the personnel in serving the

community.

#WinningMindsCRSAFP is the campaign slogan of the Mental Wellness

Program. The program, encapsulated in a website is a multi-faceted approach focused

on the intervention and prevention of Mental Health issues among CRSAFP Personnel.

Through #WinningMindsCRSAFP, the CRSAFP aims to provide a holistic

approach towards building a culture where mental health and well-being is just a click

away.

2
BACKGROUND

Numerous works of literature have claimed that military service is one of the

most stressful jobs in the world. Physical demands, workplace dangers, environmental

factors, and the possibility of suffering personal harm or injuring someone else for

whom the worker bears direct responsibility are some of the stressors in military

service.1 Consequently, the increasing number of suicide and "amok" incidents among

military personnel in the first quarter of 2023 post-pandemic prompted the Civil

Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines to take proactive steps to prevent

and address psychological health concerns among its personnel.

According to the World Health Organization, one of the biggest global crises in

generations is the COVID-19 pandemic which has had severe and far-reaching

repercussions for health systems, economies, and societies. As people grapple with

these health, social and economic impacts, mental health has been widely affected. A

significant number of people became more anxious; but for some COVID-19 has

sparked or amplified much more serious psychological health problems. A great

number of people have reported psychological distress and symptoms of depression,

anxiety or post-traumatic stress. And there have been worrying signs of more
2
widespread suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including among health care workers.

1 Johnson, Simone. (2023). The Top 10 most and least stressful jobs. Business News Daily.
2 World Health Organization. (2022). The impact of COVID-19 on mental health cannot be made light of.
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-mental-health-cannot-be-
made-light-of

3
 Some groups of people have been affected much more than others such as the

soldiers who faced extended duties and missions and were separated from their ailing

family members due to Covid-19 protocols. They have been left vulnerable to social

isolation and disconnectedness which can fuel feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and

loneliness which leads to affective and behavioral problems. According to the data of

WHO, for some children and adolescents being made to stay at home may have

increased the risk of family stress or abuse, which are risk factors for mental health

problems. Women have similarly faced greater stress in homes, with one rapid

assessment reporting that 45% of women had experienced some form of domestic

violence, either directly or indirectly during the first year of the pandemic.

While mental health issues and needs have risen during the Covid-19 pandemic

and even post-pandemic time, mental health services have been severely disrupted.

This was especially true early on in the pandemic when staff and infrastructure were

often redeployed for COVID-19 relief. Social measures also prevented people from

accessing care during the peak of the pandemic. And in many cases, poor knowledge

and misinformation about the virus fueled fears and worries that stopped people from

seeking help.

For AFP personnel who were exposed to the frontline, there is also a greater

risk of mental health issues. It may be the cause of the increased cases of anxiety,

stress, and depression among military personnel.

4
 Moreover, aside from other mental health issues, Amok is also a common issue

that has already claimed the lives of military personnel. Running Amok is a psychic

disturbance characterized by depression followed by a manic urge to murder. 3 It is

sometimes referred to as simply amok (also spelled amuck or amuk), which is derived

from the Malay word amuk, meaning "mad with rage" (uncontrollable rage). In a typical

case of running amok, a male who has shown no previous sign of anger or any

inclination to violence will acquire a weapon and, in a sudden frenzy, will attempt to kill

or seriously injure anyone he encounters. This type of disorder is characterized by a

trancelike behavior or a dissociative state which commonly occurs in males. This is

also related to dissociative disorders or fugue states where an individual will have

difficulty recalling the event of a certain disruptive behavior (Durand & Barlow, 2013).

Amok episodes of this kind typically end with the attacker being killed by bystanders or

committing suicide.4 While Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to

die. A suicide attempt occurs when a person causes harm to themselves with the goal

of ending their life but were unsuccessful as a result of their actions. 5 With these

incidents, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) committed to strengthening its

mental health services for troops on February 13, 2023.

Cases of “amok” are internally familiar in the AFP as there were several

incidents throughout AFP’s history, particularly to those who have gone through

3 Dictionary.com Website. Definition - Amok. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/amok.

4 Running amok (no date) Running_amok. Available at:
https://www.bionity.com/en/encyclopedia/Running_amok.html (Accessed: April 11, 2023).
5 Facts About Suicide | Suicide | CDC. (2022, October 24). Facts About Suicide | Suicide | CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html

5
combat operations and been exposed to traumatic events. When these experiences

are not psychologically processed or debriefed, they may lead to the development of

mental health disorders such as Depression and Acute Stress Disorder which may

lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 6 The following Cases of Suicide and

“amok” has been reported among military personnel in the first quarter of 2023:

● On February 11, 2023, enlisted personnel assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's

Service Support Battalion went rogue and killed four soldiers. The Board of

Inquiry investigated the incident, which further determined that the soldier tested

negative for drugs and alcohol. There is still no clear explanation for why the

soldier went rogue.

● Military personnel committed suicide in Agusan Del Sur on January 13, 2023.

Two days later, enlisted personnel assigned to the 9 th Infantry Division

attempted suicide by drinking muriatic acid. A female junior army officer

committed suicide through a gunshot in CMOR, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Like the junior soldier who ran amok, the female officer did not have any combat

exposure. Rather, a handwritten suicide note was found apologizing to her

parents for ending her life.

The Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) is

6 Tanielian, T. (2009, March). Assessing Combat Exposure and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Troops and
Estimating the Cost to Society. Rand Corporation.
https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/testimonies/2009/RAND_CT321.pdf.

6
mandated to organize, train, equip, sustain, and provide Information Support and Civil

Affairs units through the conduct of Strategic and Operational Civil Military Operations

and CMO-Related Training in support of the overall AFP mission (AFP Internal Peace

Strategic Plan – Kapayapaan). The CRSAFP conducts public information & community

relations in order to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Through the efforts of the CRSAFP and other

units, the AFP emerged as one of the government’s most trusted agencies having high

approval and trust ratings over the years. With the AFP’s thrust of winning the peace

through a whole-of-nation approach and the involvement of all stakeholders, the

CRSAFP incessantly delivers its role in winning people’s hearts and minds.

Thus, it is incumbent upon the CRSAFP leadership to take care of holistic

wellness, especially the mental health of its people being the primary CMO operators

and warrior diplomats who engage with the community.

Furthermore, the Republic Act no. 11036, or the Mental Health Act of 2018

protects the rights of patients as follows; a right to aftercare and rehabilitation;

right to be adequately informed about psychosocial and clinical assessments;

right to participate in the treatment plan to be implemented; right to evidence-

based or informed consent; right to confidentiality; and right to counsel, among

others. With the establishment of the CRSAFP Mental Wellness Program, CRSAFP

takes one step ahead in the prevention and intervention of mental health problems

whilst safeguarding the rights of its personnel who have mental health issues.

7
RATIONALE

While Mental Health has become one of the advocacies of the Armed Forces of

the Philippines’ leaders over the past few years, the organization lacks a facility that

brings mental health and wellness advocates together to collaborate and focus on the

prevention and intervention of mental health issues. In addition, the growing number of

AFP personnel who commit suicide and cause harm to others due to their mental

instability means that the organization is in dire need of sustainable programs to

intervene.

While there are great efforts extended by the AFP, the Civil Relations Service

Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) feels the urgency to initiate Mental Health

programs that foster wellness in its personnel. Being the unit that conducts public

information & community relations in order to create a favorable atmosphere between

the community and the AFP, the CRSAFP must ensure the holistic wellness of its

personnel in order for the unit to incessantly deliver its role in winning people’s hearts

and minds.

Furthermore, the CRSAFP Mental Wellness Program intends to support the

command guidance of Commander, CRSAFP, BGen Arvin R Lagamon PA, that puts a

premium on the holistic well-being of the CRSAFP personnel including their families and

loved-ones. Hence, there is a need to establish a facility that focuses on the mental,

8
physical, emotional, social, and psychological development of the CRSAFP personnel

so that they can function well not only in their work but also in the community and most

importantly in their household.

STATEMENT OF NEED

While Mental Health has become one of the advocacies of AFP leaders over the

past few years, the organization lacks a dedicated program that brings mental health

and wellness advocates together to collaborate in addressing mental illness among the

military sector, civilian personnel, and their dependents that is mainly focused on the

intervention and prevention of mental health issues.

In addition, the growing number of young AFP personnel who commit suicide and

cause harm to others due to their mental instability means that the organization is in dire

need of sustainable programs to intervene.

VISION, MISSION & VALUE OF THE PROGRAM

VISION

TEAM CRSAFP WITH SOUND MIND AND SPIRIT CAPABLE OF WINNING THE HEARTS
AND MINDS OF THE FILIPINOS

MISSION

RAISE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS, HELP SOLDIERS WIDEN THEIR

KNOWLEDGE OF MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS, AND REDUCE STIGMA

9
VALUE

THROUGH THE CRSAFP WELLNESS PROGRAM, EACH PERSONNEL WILL

UNDERSTAND THAT MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS IN THEIR HOLISTIC GROWTH
AND WELL-BEING
CRSAFP MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM WEBSITE

The CRSAFP has seven (7) Civil Relations Groups (CRGs) across the

archipelago and three (3) Strategic Units in NCR. With the vast Area of Operation

(AOR) and responsibility of these CMO operators and warrior diplomats, the use of

online platforms, such as websites, to check on their mental wellness is necessary and

more efficient.

Thus, the TWG created a website accessible to all but the assessment is

exclusive only to CRSAFP Personnel. Using a website for a mental wellness program

offers several advantages and here are some of them:

10
 First, is Accessibility. The CRSAFP Mental Wellness Program website provides a

platform that is accessible 24/7, allowing CRSAFP personnel to access resources,

information, and support whenever they need it. It breaks the barriers of time and

location, making it convenient for the personnel and their families to seek assistance or

information at their own pace and at the tip of their fingers.

Second, is Information dissemination. The CRSAFP website serves as a central

hub where comprehensive information about the mental wellness program can be

shared. It allows for the dissemination of program details, resources, educational

materials, and contact information for prevention and intervention services. This

ensures that all stakeholders have access to accurate and up-to-date information about

the program.

Third, is Resource availability. The CRSAFP Mental Wellness website can host a

variety of resources such as articles, videos, self-help guides, and interactive tools

related to mental health and well-being. These resources can be easily accessed and

utilized by armed forces personnel, their families, and even the general public,

promoting self-help and empowerment.

Fourth, is Confidentiality and privacy: Online platforms can provide a sense of

anonymity and privacy for individuals seeking mental health support. A website can

include security features for submitting inquiries, scheduling appointments, or accessing

11
confidential counseling services. This confidentiality can be especially crucial for armed

forces personnel who may have concerns about stigma or privacy.

Fifth, is Interactive features: Websites can include interactive features such as

forums, chatbots, or online support groups, fostering a sense of community and

connection among program participants. These features allow individuals to engage

with peers, share experiences, and provide support to one another, even if they are

geographically dispersed.

Sixth, is Tracking and analytics: CRSAFP Website offers the advantage of

collecting data and analytics about user engagement and program effectiveness. This

information can help program administrators evaluate the impact of the mental wellness

program, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to enhance

the program's effectiveness over time.

And last, id Scalability: A website can accommodate a large number of users

simultaneously, making it scalable and capable of handling increased demand as the

program grows. It allows for the program to reach a wider audience and provide support

to a larger number of armed forces personnel and their families.

Overall, utilizing a website for a mental wellness program enhances accessibility,

information dissemination, privacy, interactivity, and scalability, ultimately improving the

effectiveness and reach of the program.

12
OBJECTIVES OF CRSAFP MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM:

The CRSAFP Mental Wellness Program aims to create a holistic approach in preventing

and in the intervention of mental health issues among CRSAFP personnel and their

dependents. Specifically, it aims:

1. To raise health awareness, advocate self-care, eliminate stigma, assess the

mental health of our personnel, and identify the necessary interventions to help

them cope;

2. To facilitate mentoring, peer counseling, and other interventions to address the

CRSAFP's immediate mental health concerns;

3. To establish a referral system that will involve sending an identified patient to

another physician or outside help for ongoing management as a result of the

evaluation, to further identify the kind of care or help the subject personnel who

have mental health issues need;

13
 4. To provide a safe place for the personnel to unload their stress and problems

and a well-equipped area where they can build their confidence; and

5. To create a strong support system to facilitate the holistic growth of the CRSAFP

Personnel involving their dependents and loved ones.

TARGET

Target #1- MILITARY & CIVILIAN PERSONNEL

Target #2- CRSAFP PERSONNEL DEPENDENTS

Target #3- STAKEHOLDERS

GOAL

Build the CRSAFP’S capacity to detect mental health issues, identify the kind of

help, conduct activities that aim at prevention, work on interventions, and assist in the

medication or rehabilitation of the personnel.

14
TIMELINE

o WEEKLY ACTIVITIES

• TI & E
• Buddy System/ Squad monitoring
• Meditation/ Yoga Session
• Indoor/ Outdoor Exercise

o MONTHLY ACTIVITIES

• Mentoring
• Coaching
• Gardening/ Weaving
• Livelihood programs

o QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES

15
 • Evaluation
• Quarterly Evaluation
• Capacity Training
• Psychoeducation

o YEARLY ACTIVITIES

•Team Building

PROJECT EXECUTION

The CRSAFP will conduct Personnel Self-Assessment using the PERCEIVED

STRESS SCALE (PSS) administered thru an online survey using the website only

accessed by military and civilian personnel. The survey aims to measure the stress

level of the personnel and at the same time will assess how stress affects their personal

life and their work. After answering the 10-item survey, personnel will automatically get

the result, those with high-stress levels will be directed to answer the second part of the

stress assessment to profoundly identify symptoms experienced by the personnel which

can pinpoint their level of stress, anxiety, depression, and other related symptomatic

expressions.

16
 The result of the survey will identify the mental health issues. Interviews and

additional assessments may identify which area ̵ physical, sleep, behavioral, emotional,

and personal habits, where the personnel showed "very high" or "danger" levels of

stress. These are problem areas that will be used for the Personal Stress Management

Plan of the personnel. In the proposed Personal Stress Management plan, the

personnel is encouraged to focus on building stress resources and stress prevention

through aerobic exercise, relaxation, nutrition, and sleep.

Provided that the CRSAFP is granted with the CRSAFP Wellness Center, there

will be programmed activities suited for each person so that they will receive the

necessary and adequate help for them to cope.

Herewith, all personnel who manifested “very high” or “danger” results will be

given further psychological intervention or counseling and psychotherapy to be

facilitated by in-house counselors and psychologists provided that there will be a

counseling room. If they opt to seek outside help, the Command, in partnership with

outside organizations will help them.

To prevent personnel from scoring “very high” or “danger” on the stress indicator

questionnaire, it is highly recommended that there will be a yoga/ meditation and sauna

room in the CRSAFP to promote relaxation. Moreover, it is recommended that there will

be an exercise area with a gym and aerobic equipment which will serve as a venue for

17
the personnel to maintain good physical health. The personnel are encouraged to

utilize all these facilities to maintain physical and wellness.

18
 Choose a specific CRSAFP office/sub-unit

,' ( 1 7,) ,&$ 7,2 1

to participate in the stress inventory.

For the purpose of taking the

assessment, the CRSAFP Mental
Wellness Program TWG will
provide a separate link for
registration and log-in
information on the website.

The TWG will be in charge of managing the

6 &5 ( ( 1 ,1 *

evaluation's outcome. The assessment's data

will be used to screen CRS employees based on
their level of stress and its severity.

High-stress personnel will be carefully

evaluated to see if they qualify for possible
( / ,* ,%,/ ,7<

help using the unit's initiatives and in

collaboration with partner organizations. The
assessment and production of a psychological
report will be carried out by a visiting
psychologist and a designated
psychometrician.

The visiting psychologist

will manage progress
reports and maintain
their confidentiality.

If necessary, the visiting psychologist will

develop a referral question and assessment
5( ) ( 55$/

objective that will be sent to VLMC or another

military hospital that offers more extensive
evaluation and intervention.

19
CRSAFP MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM

In its broadest sense, CRSAFP MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM is an initiative

program that intends to cater to the holistic health of the personnel. The CRSAFP

Mental Wellness Program is focused on helping military personnel and civilian

employees thrive in their environment by helping them deal with stress, understand

proper nutrition for their bodies, and guide them on general health and well-being. If

given the opportunity and resources, this will include a counseling room and mobile

consultation clinic staffed with volunteer civilian and organic AFP physicians,

counselors, social workers, and the like who are available anytime.

The program will include yoga/ meditation activities to help the stressed

personnel to relax and be at peace. Moreover, a gym and sauna room will also be

placed included in the program. In addition, personnel will be encouraged to spend time

in the outdoor garden and also be given training for livelihood.

The CRSAFP Mental Wellness Program also aims to provide the CRSAFP

personnel, and their dependents, a “SAFE SPACE” that promotes a positive

environment for the CRSAFP personnel to recharge and revitalize and a strong support

system that can help personnel with mental health issues cope and recover.

20
CRSAFP MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAM WILL OFFER THE FOLLOWING:

SERVICES

QUARTERLY ONLINE SELF-ASSESSMENT

● QUARTERLY ONLINE SELF-ASSESSMENT EXAM

o Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

o Depression, Anxiety, And Stress Scale

o Other Assessment Tools (STRESS INDICATORS EXAM)

● REFERRAL SYSTEM

o CRSAFP mental wellness TWG will send an identified client, who is

experiencing unmanageable or severe mental health problems to another
mental health professional or outside help for proper management.

21
● LIFE COACHING AND MENTORING

o Conduct of weekly or bi-monthly ti&e

o Conduct of seminars and workshops facilitated by SMEs

o Professional coaching

o Mentoring of officers

o Pastoral counseling (religious in nature)

● EMPOWERMENT OF BUDDY SYSTEM AND SQUAD LEADER’S TIME

o Designate squading (grouping) and create a program of instruction(poi)

o NCOs will be empowered to lead the squad

o Buddy system will be strongly enforced (the most efficient way of

monitoring personnel’s status & condition)

● PSYCHOEDUCATION

o Mental Health Awareness

o Suicide Prevention

o Stress Management

o Coping Strategies

o Emotion Management

o Social Graces

o Financial Management

o Interpersonal Relationship

o Communication and Assertiveness Training

o Drugs, Alcohol, and Gambling Prevention

o Family Relationships

22
 ● CAPACITY TRAINING

o Psychological First Aid Provider

o Capacity building activities for CRSAFP Mental Health Committee

● MEDITATION SESSIONS

● YOGA

● INDOOR EXERCISE (GYM)

● SAUNA

● GARDENNING AND OTHER LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES

POLICY TO BE IMPLEMENTED

● PERSONNEL FEEDBACK

This policy is proposed to be implemented to increase the awareness of NCOs and

Commissioned officers on the mental health of their respective personnel. This may be

conducted in group or individual sessions.

23
CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES for CRSAFP MENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE

The implementation of the Wellness Program will be done in three phases;

Identification, Capacitation, and Execution of Intervention.

1st PHASE - IDENTIFICATION

It will start by determining the stressors experienced by CRSAFP personnel thru

the screening tool. Results of the screening test will be collated and analyzed to come

up with general information about the stress experience of CRSAFP personnel. Based

on the results, personnel will be grouped depending on their level of stress (mild,

moderate, high) and the living area of stress they are experiencing the most. Results

will be used to design mental intervention and other related actions.

Possible future peer mentors will be identified as well. Personnel of the CRS may

also volunteer to undergo Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to assess their current

capacity according to the knowledge, skills, and attitude needed for the responsibility of

being a peer mentor. This phase will include the orientation of CRS personnel regarding

the wellness program, discussion of the responsibilities and capacities of a peer mentor,

and identification of gaps in order to fulfill their role.

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 Training Needs Analysis (TNA) will be conducted in five steps;

1. Identify problems and needs

2. Determine the design of the needs assessment

3. Collect Data

4. Analyze Data

5. Provide feedback

2nd PHASE - CAPACITATE

After providing feedback to the personnel of CRS who went through the Training

Needs Analysis, the command will design a training program for the identified peer

mentors to capacitate them. This will be conducted from May 2023 to October 2023.

The command will invite trainers both from organic AFP personnel and outsourced

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), trainers, professors, or mental health practitioners.

3rd PHASE - EXECUTION OF PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION

For the third phase, the prevention and intervention program is finally executed

as facilitated by the peer mentors, who already gained the knowledge, skills, and

attitudes through series of training and seminars. They will be the facilitators and

advocates of mental health. As part of the intervention program, psychoeducation, life

skills training, and mental hygiene practices, are designed to raise awareness and

prevent the CRSAFP personnel from developing mental health issues. For those who

scored high on the screening test, referral and comprehensive assessment will be made
25
to assist personnel to acquire mental health services needed both from inside and

outside of the institution.

A quarterly stress screening will be conducted to monitor effectivity of the

program and measure the progress of CRSAFP personnel’s mental wellness who

participated in the program. Furthermore, activities, programs, and policies will be made

to improve the morale and address the stressors the personnel are experiencing thru

yoga, meditation, Life Mentoring, and Counseling training.

PROJECT REQUIREMENT

In order to effectively implement and supervise the CRSAFP Mental Wellness

Program, the following are the minimum requirements:

1. A dedicated Technical Working Group that is tasked to monitor and execute the

program

2. Office/building or facility for the programmed activities (Gym Equipment, Sauna

Room, Meditation/ yoga room)

3. Volunteer mental health practitioners and advocates

4. Reading Materials

26
 RESPONSIBILITIES

1. This program will be under the supervision of C1

2. CPT JANCEL SUNSHINE B VILLANUEVA PAF is designated as the Technical

Working Group Head

3. Volunteer and capable personnel will be tapped for this program

4. MFO to allocate fund

LIST OF PROGRAMMED TRAINING

 Peer Counselor Training of Trainers (ToT)

 Understanding Self and Personality Development
 Psychological First Aid and Psychosocial Support for CRSAFP Personnel
 Stress Management and Stress Reduction Training
 Anger Management and Conflict Resolution
 Conflict Resolution: Developing techniques to de-escalate conflicts and promote
peaceful resolutions.
 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness: Educating about symptoms,
treatment, and coping mechanisms for PTSD.
 Suicide Prevention: Raising awareness about suicide risk factors, warning signs,
and intervention strategies.
 Sleep Optimization: Educating on the importance of quality sleep and techniques
for improving sleep habits.
 Mindfulness and Meditation: Teaching techniques to cultivate mindfulness and
promote mental well-being.
 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Skills: Introducing cognitive restructuring
and behavior modification techniques.
 Resilience through Fitness: Promoting physical fitness as a means to enhance
mental resilience and overall well-being.
 Peer Support Programs: Training individuals to provide support and resources to
their fellow service members.
 Trauma-Informed Care: Teaching approaches that consider the impact of trauma
on individuals and promote healing.
 Substance Abuse Prevention and Education: Educating about the risks of
substance abuse and resources for treatment.
 Family Support and Communication: Promoting healthy communication and
support systems within military families.

27
  Coping with Transition and Deployment: Providing strategies for managing the
challenges of deployment and transitioning back to civilian life.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11036 IN THE MILITARY SETTING

Republic Act No. 11036, also known as the Mental Health Act, is a Philippine law

that aims to promote mental health and provide access to mental health services in the

country.

The Mental Health Act recognizes that mental health is a critical aspect of overall

well-being, and it emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues within

various sectors of society, including the military. It aims to ensure that individuals,

including members of the armed forces, have access to comprehensive and integrated

mental health services.

In the context of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Mental Health Act may

be applied in several ways:

Mental Health Services: The law promotes the establishment of mental health services

and facilities, including mental health professionals, within the country. It is possible that

the AFP may have implemented specific mental health programs or services for its

personnel in compliance with the law. These services could include mental health

screenings, counseling, therapy, and treatment for mental health conditions.

28
Mental Health Training: The Mental Health Act emphasizes the need for mental health

education and training. The CRSAFP incorporated mental health awareness and

training programs for its members, ensuring they have a basic understanding of mental

health issues, how to identify signs of mental distress, and how to respond

appropriately.

Mental Health Support: The law recognizes the importance of providing support for

individuals experiencing mental health problems. This support may include measures

such as establishing peer support programs, promoting mental health awareness

campaigns, and implementing policies that create a supportive environment for those

struggling with mental health issues.

Anti-stigma Measures: The Mental Health Act seeks to combat the stigma surrounding

mental health problems. The CRSAFP has taken steps to raise awareness, reduce

stigma, and promote a culture of acceptance and support within its ranks.

29