31/10/2025
| An Empath's Gentle Force Behind Resilient Hearts
|Zyan Myrel Amatong
Mental health is the emotional, psychological, and social well-being that affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. It determines how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices, and is essential at every stage of life. People struggling with their mental health may be a family member, someone who lives next door, your workmate, a friend, or even a stranger who sits in the same church.
Mental health is more than just how it seems to be. It is a state of well-being that allows a person to realize their potential, cope with life's stresses, work productively, and contribute to the community.
In line with the Mental Health Awareness Celebration, Cebu Technological University—Argao Campus promotes the importance of the mental well-being of people.
Among the many Psychology instructors in CTU—AC, Ms. Rhea Jane L. Caynila is one of them. She is a person who has always been passionate about understanding people — their emotions, behaviors, and life stories. She also wanted to make a difference in how individuals understand themselves and others. Aside from that, she's also passionate about promoting mental health awareness and creating a supportive learning environment where people feel heard, valued, and understood.
According to her, one common misconception about mental health is that it is seen as a sign of weakness, and people dealing with it are sometimes labeled as "sensitive" or "overreacting."
But having a mental health problem doesn't make anyone less than others. It does not define how strong or how weak a person is. It is a measurement of one’s humanity, a reminder that everyone faces battles, and seeking help or acknowledging struggles is a form of courage, not weakness.
"I always remind my students that seeking help is not weakness but courage. In class, we normalize conversations about emotions, therapy, and self-care to create a more compassionate mindset."
What sparked Miss Caynila's interest in understanding human behavior is her fondness for observing people—how differently they react to similar situations and why people think, feel, and act the way they do. She also stated, "Growing up, I’ve seen how understanding and compassion can change lives. I became fascinated by what drives those differences, which led me to explore Psychology more deeply." She also said that teaching allowed her to combine both her love for learning and her desire to help others grow mentally and emotionally. "I find great joy in reading books and spending time in self-reflection, both of which continually deepen my understanding of people and of myself.
These quiet moments of learning and introspection help me bring empathy and insight into the classroom. Over the years, I have developed a compassionate, interactive, and practical approach to teaching, believing that learning becomes most meaningful when students can connect theories to their own experiences," she added.
As an instructor herself, she is not free from the game of mental challenges. But as courageous and dauntless as she is, "I take time to pause and recharge. I practice mindfulness, spend quiet moments reflecting, and surround myself with supportive people. Setting boundaries and giving myself permission to rest are also part of how I care for my mental well-being."
While neglecting the truth of mental health in society, it should never be dismissed no matter how light the situation may seem. But even though people experience this situation, they should also not dive deeper into the darkest pits of misery; instead, they are emboldened to find light and crawl back into reality. Even Ms. Caynila marked mental health as balance — being at peace with oneself, even amidst life’s uncertainties. It’s not about being happy all the time but about having the strength and awareness to navigate emotions and challenges with compassion and resilience.
Ms. Caynila believes that Psychology is not just about understanding the mind but also about fostering empathy, resilience, and self-awareness among learners. “Psychology felt like the best path to turn that curiosity and empathy into something meaningful—a way to help others heal, grow, and discover their potential,” she explained. “My goal as an educator is to inspire others to care for their well-being, embrace their uniqueness, and use what they learn to make a positive difference in their communities.”
For her, Psychology educators play a vital role in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. “By modeling openness and empathy, we show that mental health is a normal part of life—not something to be ashamed of. When we discuss it without judgment and integrate it naturally into lessons, it helps students see that conversations about emotions and struggles are valid and necessary.” She shared that empathy, integrity, and lifelong learning are the personal values that guide her as both a teacher and an individual. “I believe in teaching with sincerity, leading with compassion, and constantly growing—not just as an educator, but as a person.”
She also reminds her students that their mental health matters as much as their grades or achievements. “Take time to rest, reflect, and reach out when things get tough. Healing and growth take time—and that’s okay.” When describing herself, she uses three words: empathetic, reflective, and resilient. “Empathetic because I genuinely care about others; reflective because I find meaning in every experience; and resilient because I’ve learned to rise and grow through challenges.”
The most rewarding part of being a Psychology instructor, according to her, is witnessing transformation. “When students begin to understand themselves better, practice empathy, or develop confidence—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.” She ensures that mental health awareness is part of her teaching by beginning classes with check-ins or reflective activities that allow students to express how they feel. She also integrates mental health concepts into her lessons so students can see their relevance in real life.
Ms. Caynila hopes that more students understand that self-care is not selfish—it’s survival. “Resilience isn’t about ignoring pain; it’s about allowing yourself to feel, learn, and grow stronger from it,” she emphasized. To students who are struggling with their mental health, she offers heartfelt advice: “Please remember that you’re not alone. Reach out—to friends, mentors, counselors, or anyone you trust. Healing starts when you allow yourself to be helped. You are worthy of care and understanding.”
When asked what legacy she hopes to leave behind as a Psychology educator, she said, “I hope to be remembered as someone who taught not just theories, but compassion—someone who encouraged others to see the goodness in themselves and in others.” Living by her favorite quote, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about,” Ms. Caynila continues to inspire others to choose empathy in teaching, in relationships, and in life.
In the end, mental health is not just a personal issue—it’s a shared responsibility. Each of us plays a role in creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and supported. By showing kindness, offering understanding, and breaking the silence that surrounds mental struggles, we take one step closer to a community that values compassion over judgment. Because in truth, caring for our mental health is not a sign of weakness—it’s a celebration of being human.
Graphics | Ken Adrian Hugo
