Climaco told the participants that in times of stress “we need to listen to the little voices that seek comfort and love.” “Let us find an opportunity to talk to everyone of what troubles them, help them understand their thoughts, feelings and behavior “
“As guidance counselors you need to help people explore difficult feelings and experiences and work out some ways of living life more positively and constructively,” she said.
She said a little stress is not always bad; it can be an effective motivator and the adrenaline that stress creates can help improve both mental and physical performances. “But too much stress can negatively affect your performance on duty, your relationships and your physical and mental health.”
In the course of her lecture, the lady chief executive asked every participant to talk about their experiences and feelings during the infamous Zamboanga siege, saying that sharing ones thoughts on abnormal situation is in itself an act of debriefing oneself from stress.
Climaco ended her inspiring lecture on counseling with a stress debriefing exercise, to the delight of the participants.
Held under the auspices of the World Health Organization and the Center for Health Development Zamboanga Peninsula, the training intends to enhance the capabilities, knowledge, skills and attitude of participants toward their dual role as health care providers and as program managers, especially during emergency disasters.
It was attended by teachers, social workers and nurses whose services and experiences are critical in times of disasters, especially in helping disaster victims cope with trauma and stress and recovery in extreme life situation.-(Vic Larato)