Coping Chronicles: Building Your Own Mental Health Toolkit
Lanz Paolo Olegario, MA, RPSY
“Remember, you are not alone. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to struggle.
What matters is that you keep moving forward, one step at a time.”
- Coping Chronicles: Building Your Own Mental Health Toolkit
In earlier generations, mental health was viewed quite differently in the Philippines. I often wish that if there had been more openness about mental health issues in the past, we might not carry the same burden of generational trauma today. A book like this is a valuable resource, offering us much-needed light and guidance on our path to understanding and healing. "Coping Chronicles: Building Your Own Mental Health Toolkit" by Lanz Paolo Olegario is like having a friendly guide to help you manage your mental health. Olegario takes us through a series of practical tips for managing anxiety, depression, and stress—even his struggles and, sharing how he turned things around with the help of therapy and his faith. It's a really honest and encouraging start that sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Mental health is crucial, like the foundation of a building. It’s a reminder that just like you take care of your body, you must also care for your mental well-being. The book is easy to dive into with straightforward strategies, including Behavioral Activation to boost your mood, Dereflection to shift focus away from overthinking, and even some advice on building resilience and dealing with life’s emotional triggers. It’s packed with simple, actionable advice that doesn’t overwhelm you with jargon.
The book is a reminder for us that mental health is a journey. Olegario emphasizes that while these tools are super helpful, they’re not a substitute for professional help if you need it. It’s all about taking small steps and finding what works for you, which makes the book feel like a supportive companion rather than a strict manual.
"Coping Chronicles: Building Your Own Mental Health Toolkit" is a practical guide that’s perfect for anyone looking to improve their mental well-being or help others do the same. It’s packed with relatable advice and easy-to-use tools to make managing your mental health easier. Remember, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. With it, you can weather any storm. As Lady Gaga gently reminds us, “You are brave. You are courageous.”