Gestalt Neuropsychological and Psychological Services - Quezon City Branch

06/09/2025

Ever felt like stress takes over your whole body? That’s your nervous system at work—and the vagus nerve plays a big role.
Often called the “mind-body connector,” the vagus nerve helps regulate stress, emotions, and even how safe or calm you feel. When it’s activated, your body can shift from survival mode to a state of balance and healing.
The best part? You can gently support your vagus nerve through simple daily practices like mindful breathing, gentle movement, and safe connections with others.
Take it slow, be kind to yourself, and remember—healing starts with small steps.


References
Armstrong, A. (2024). Healing Through the Vagus Nerve: Improve Your Body’s Response to Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Trauma Through Nervous System Regulation. Fair Winds Press (MA).

Prepared by:
Rachelle Pura, PhD cand

06/09/2025

How does sleep affect overall emotional well-being? 💤🌙
Many sleep problems stem from poor sleep patterns. However, making improvements go a long way in reducing sleep disruptions and supporting mental health. Simple steps such as keeping a consistent sleep schedule, utilizing relaxation techniques, avoiding sleep-disrupting substances, limiting screen time, and finding a comfortable sleep environment can create a big difference.
These small changes not only promote better sleep, but can also support your overall mental well-being throughout the day. Always remember – better sleep can lead to a clearer mind! 💚🧠

References
Suni, E., & Suni, E. (2025, July 11). Mental health and sleep. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health
Scott, A. J., Webb, T. L., James, M. M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556

References

Suni, E., & Suni, E. (2025, July 11). Mental health and sleep. Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health
Scott, A. J., Webb, T. L., James, M. M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556
Prepared by:
Hannah Baetiong
Batch 7 Intern

05/09/2025

Living or just simply being around a person with Alzheimer’s disease may be frustrating, but it is important to remember that we have to act carefully around them because if the situation creates stress and confusion to us, what more to the person suffering with the disease?

It only takes minutes to educate ourselves. And that short amount of time of learning ways on how to approach and support people with Alzheimer’s could create a huge impact not only to the person’s life, but also to the whole community suffering with this disease.

Approaching someone with Alzheimer’s isn’t about fixing memory. It’s about offering presence, comfort, and respect.



References

Alzheimer’s Association. (n.d.). Daily Care Plan. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/daily-care/daily-care-plan #:~:text=Daily%20routines%20can%20be%20helpful,that%20provide%20meaning%20and%20enjoyment.
Alzheimer’s San Diego. (2025, May 20). Do’s and Don’ts of Communication and Dementia. https://www.alzsd.org/dos-and-donts-of-compassionate-communication-dementia/
National Institute on Aging. (2024, July 11). Communicating With Someone Who Has Alzheimer’s Disease. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-changes-behavior-and-communication/communicating-someone-who-has-alzheimers #:~:text=%E2%80%8BRead%20and%20share%20this,you%20said%20with%20different%20words.

Prepared by:
[Michael Terence Galarpe and Andrea Joanna Francisco]

05/09/2025

Sali na kayo!

05/09/2025

“It is a disorder, not a lifestyle.”

A messy house or place is easily dismissed, but for millions of people, it is a sign of something deeper. Hoarding disorder is a complex mental health condition that is beyond having a mess of things. It is the struggle of having to let go of things that can root anxiety, distress, and other immense impairments.

Let us all be kind and remember that we never know what one is going through behind closed doors🫂. Let us replace judgment with understanding because hoarding disorder is not just about “being messy”.

References
American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What is Hoarding Disorder? Retrieved August 25, 2025, fromhttps://www.psychiatry.org:443/patients-families/hoarding-disorder/what-is-hoarding-disorder
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Hoarding Disorder: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17682-hoarding-disorder
Weir, K. (2020). Treating people with hoarding disorder. Https://Www.Apa.Org. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/ce-corner-hoarding
Rodgers, N., McDonald, S., & Wootton, B. M. (2021). Cognitive behavioral therapy for hoarding disorder: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 290, 128–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.04.067

Prepared by:
Franchesca Ysabelle Tan

04/09/2025

Tired of being stuck in a thought loop? 🧠 Our new infographic, "Beyond the Loop: Breaking Free from Endless Thoughts,"It's packed with practical strategies and actionable tips to help you manage overthinking, gain mental clarity, and boost your well-being.

Get ready to break free and find some peace of mind‼️

References:

Lamothe, C. (2024, July 3). 14 Ways to Stop Overthinking. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-overthinking
Lcsw, A. M. (2024a, June 18). How to stop Overthinking. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-know-when-youre-overthinking-5077069

Prepared by:
Marry Margarett L. De Torres

04/09/2025

Many boys grow up hearing they should man up and hide their feelings. But men can be better.

Toxic masculinity limits everyone - teaching men that aggression is power while sensitivity is weakness. The term does not mean it is all bad, but it is done to point out that certain behaviors and ways of thinking that are associated with masculinity have a negative and often dangerous impact on the world. It’s time to rewrite the story, let men be free of judgment and stereotypes! 🏋🫂

References

Breaking Free: Men’s Authenticity & Well-being - Into The Light. (2023, October 16). https://intothelightmh.com/breaking-free-from-toxic-masculinity/
Foss, K. (2022). What is Toxic Masculinity and How it Impacts Mental Health. Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/what-toxic-masculinity-and-how-it-impacts-mental
Gater, R. (2023). Is It Actually Helpful to Talk About Toxic Masculinity? Greater Good Magazine. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/is_it_actually_helpful_to_talk_about_toxic_masculinity
Vallie, S. (2024). Toxic Masculinity: How to Recognize and Treat It. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/what-is-toxic-masculinity

Prepared by:
Franchesca Tan

03/09/2025

🎮✨ Step into the electrifying world of esports, a legitimate and rapidly growing competitive arena where skill meets intense pressure. But beneath the dazzling lights and massive prize pools, lies an unseen pressure—from relentless training and constant scrutiny to the high stakes of performance. 😔 This often fuels a silent stigma, making it challenging for competitors to openly address the mental health struggles inherent in this demanding environment. It's time to talk about it. 🗣️💙

References:

Comstock, & Frannie. (2025, August 24). Esports | Definition, History, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/sports/esports
Galanis, C. R., & King, D. L. (2025). Stigma and other public perceptions of recreational gaming and gaming disorder: A large-scale qualitative analysis. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 17, 100581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2024.100581
On our own of Maryland, Inc. (n.d.). https://www.onourownmd.org/s/website-content/a1Q6e00000CCnlwEAD/stigma-at-play-games-gamers-and-prejudgments
Sharpe, B. T., Obine, E. A., Birch, P. D., Pocock, C., & Moore, L. J. (2024). Performance breakdown under pressure among esports competitors. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 13(1), 89–109. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000337

Prepared by:
Marry Margarett L. De Torres
Intern - Batch 7

03/09/2025

Ever feel like words just aren't enough? 😔 You're not alone. Sometimes, our deepest feelings are too complex, too heavy, or too abstract to be neatly packaged into language.

That's where the magic of art therapy comes in. ✨ It’s not about creating a masterpiece for a museum; it's about letting your inner world out onto the page. It’s a powerful, evidence-based way to process emotions, reduce stress, and explore your thoughts in a safe, creative space.

Tag a friend who would love this creative approach to wellness! ❤️



References
‌Nielsen, S. L., Fich, L. B., Roessler, K. K., & Mullins, M. F. (2017). How do patients actually experience and use art in hospitals? The significance of interaction: a user-oriented experimental case study. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 12(1), 1267343–1267343. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2016.1267343
‌Shukla, A., Choudhari, S. G., Gaidhane, A. M., & Syed, Z. Q. (2022). Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: A Critical Review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.28026
‌

Prepared by:
Leigh Isha D. Lazatin
Intern - Batch 7

02/09/2025

02/09/2025

It's not always easy to pause and truly check in with ourselves. Life moves fast, and we often prioritize everything and everyone else before our own mental well-being. But what if the key to managing stress, understanding our emotions, and fostering real growth was as simple as holding up a mirror to our own minds? 🪞

Self-reflection isn't about being self-critical. It's about being self-aware. It's the gentle act of asking ourselves: "How am I really doing?" and listening—without judgment—to the answer. It's how we process our experiences, learn from our challenges, and celebrate our quiet strengths.

How often do you truly check in with your mental state? We've created a simple infographic to guide you through the art of self-reflection—a key habit for lasting mental wellness.

Take a look and share your thoughts in the comments! 👇



References
Nowak, A., Vallacher, R. R., Bartkowski, W., & Olson, L. (2022). Integration and expression: The complementary functions of self‐reflection. Journal of Personality, 91(4), 947–962. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12730
‌Unlocking Self-Reflection: The Ultimate Mental Health Tool. (2024, November 7). Quenza. https://quenza.com/blog/knowledge-base/mental-health-tool-for-self-reflection/
‌

Prepared by:
Leigh Isha D. Lazatin
Intern - Batch 7

02/09/2025

Have you ever felt as though your emotions were too intense, too disorganized, or simply too overwhelming to manage?
You are not alone, and you are not at fault.

Emotions are not deficiencies. They are signals. They reveal what matters, what wounds, and what requires healing.

Emotional mastery allows us to respond with clarity rather than react from distress. It teaches us to hold space for our feelings without being consumed by them. And it empowers us to navigate life with greater self-awareness, resilience, and compassion.

Let us begin the practice of honoring our emotional truth, not by suppressing it, but by understanding it. Because real strength starts when we stop running from what we feel.



References

Noll, D. E. (2023, July 25). 8 essential steps to emotional mastery. Douglas E. Noll. https://dougnoll.com/emotional-competency/emotional-mastery-steps/

Prepared by:
Angela Mae Arcinas