The COVID-19 pandemic and the quarantine imposed with it is affecting the lives of millions of Filipinos. For Aboitiz team members currently on a work-from-home set up, there's a possibility that some may start to develop fears, doubts, and anxiety during a time of crisis, such as those taking care of their families and their day-to-day needs.

Recognizing the need to guard the mental wellness of its A-People, AEV Corporate Human Resources organized an online info-session called "Managing Stress and Anxiety in Times of Crisis", which was facilitated by Dr. Joyce Maglaque, a diplomate under the Specialty Board of Philippine Psychiatry and a medical practitioner at The Medical City in Pasig City.

The webinar covered the common psychological impacts of a pandemic, the causes of anxiety and stress and their common behaviors due to the pandemic, and a general overview of interventions and best practices to cope in these times for yourself and for your family.

I felt relieved in knowing that I was not alone in feeling the heaviness and anxiety brought by the disruption of what used to be normal. According to Doc Joyce, it was in fact normal to feel that way. I'm glad I tuned in because Doc Joyce gave very important pointers on how we can all cope and weather this one (situation) out. And I was also happy to see how other TMs are coping. I really appreciate how Aboitiz prioritizes the health and well-being of their people.

– Ganyfer Hernandez, Aboitiz Construction

Here are a few tips that were shared in the session:

1. Create a schedule or a routine. Take note of your breaks and when to stop working. Do not be a 24/7 hotline.
2. Have a buddy who you can talk to about anything under the sun, not just necessarily about work. Share how you are feeling and what you are experiencing.

Q1: How do I deal when thinking about the pandemic and its potential effects (ex. long-term effect on society, employment) keeps us up at night?

A: Seek consultation if it affects your day-to-day function. Take a seat and ask yourself, “Will it really help if we delve on this issue?”. You can also reframe your thoughts to be more positive.

Q2: How should we deal with a friend if you hear about a friend whose parent or family is currently affected by the disease?

A: It’s not about having the right things to say or doing the right things to help resolve the situation. Lend a listening ear and let them know someone is there for them.

Q3: Is it okay to engage in social media channels and apps like TikTok and mobile games to destress?

A: This is okay for coping, but excessive screen time is also stressful, like how we get stressed playing mobile games. Maybe it would be okay to allow yourself to have two hours of TikTok and mobile games.

Q4: What can I do when I overthink or become anxious?

A: Practice the STOP method and ride the wave of emotions. You may also download apps that can help like the Calm app, to help with your anxiety. If it persists, seek psychiatric assistance or consultation.

Q5: What advice can you give team members who are alone in their homes at the time of the enhanced community quarantine?

A: You have to maintain your usual routine, stay connected with your friends, family, workmates. As much as possible do the routines that you usually do, but in a house setting.

Doc Joyce reiterated the precautions one must take to keep ourselves and our family healthy such as washing our hands with soap and water, practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette, and to read up on news from credible and reliable sources only.

Lockdown is not the new normal. This will end even if it does not feel like it.

– Dr. Joyce Maglaque

Befriending our feelings and creating a positive reframing strategy for how we take in the current situation can help us feel emotionally lighter, and she reminds us to “Don’t forget to STOP - Stop, Take a breath, Observe your feelings, and take into Perspective what is happening. Create a mindset shift lockdown to open-mindedness.”

Lastly, Doc Joyce put emphasis on being resilient in this time of crisis and not losing hope by looking for outlets for meaningful action.

Aboitiz, as a company, has been doing all that it can to take care of its employees, and I am thankful that they also initiated efforts to care for our mental well-being. As a Psychology major, I firmly hold the belief that caring for our mental health is as essential as caring for our physical health. With Dr. Joyce's reassuring words (at a time like this, it's normal to feel anxious) and positive coping mechanisms, I believe us TMs are better equipped to manage our thoughts/emotions during this crisis.

– Mich Guerrero, AEV

After her quick talk, a question and answer portion was set aside for the many questions the A-People had regarding their own situation.

The recent infosession has been very helpful to me as I've personally experienced having anxiety/panic attacks ever since the COVID-19 breakout. It has actually validated my feelings toward the situation and made me realize how important it is to not to belittle them or just shrug them away.

The session was not only a way to know facts and theories, but a great way to connect with other team members who are feeling the same way and just share thoughts on how we can help each other in this crisis. After the session, I've actually received a few messages from colleagues whom I never thought I'd have personal conversations with — that alone made me feel safe and cared for, that I wasn't judged, and that I'm not alone (especially at work) in dealing with my anxieties.

– RAM Reyes, AEV

Team members may get a copy of the slides through this link.

#OneAboitiz