Re You Overthinking?

pectation to keep going, to be strong. Mental health sometimes isn't part of the conversation at home. Expressing emotions can sometimes be labeled as 'maarte' or 'drama'.

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Our concept of hiya, emphasis on family obligations, and deep-rooted belief that showing vulnerability is weakness all contribute to a mental health landscape where young people suppress their feelings rather than seek help.

MENTAL HYGIENE What strikes me most about Dr. Villa is her emphasis on mental hygiene as a daily maintenance practice rather than a crisis intervention approach. I was curious about her routine, especially given the emotional weight of her work.

"My mental hygiene is about small, everyday things that keep me grounded," she explains. "At the end of my workday, I have to watch an episode. I need to go to Netflix, pick a movie or an episode because I want to express the emotions that I have absorbed during sessions."

It's not for entertainment, it's for emotional release. "If the episode is funny, I laugh. If it's sad, I cry. It helps me express basic emotions I might be holding in from sessions. Otherwise, I cannot be the best psychologist for my clients tomorrow."