How a Desire for Affection Led to Finding God’s Love

What would you do if the very thing you were searching for led to the most devastating pain in your life?

At a young age, Genny Babela had a misguided idea about what love meant. When she was 5 years old, Genny was molested by two boys.

Because of this, she constantly looked for affection and carelessly entered relationships.

Genny often asked, “Is this what love is all about? Being forced to do things you don’t like just because you love a person.”

Since then, because of her trauma, Genny got involved with different partners and had a long list of flings and relationships in a desperate search for true love and acceptance.

As she went through her desperate search for love, Genny’s father would not approve and remind her about waiting for the right time.

Despite her father’s reminder, Genny continued to be reckless with love which led to her poor decisions.

“I was aware that what I was doing was wrong but because of my emotions, I continued,” Genny shared. Because of this, not only was her heart shattered into pieces, but her confidence dwindled.

In this moment, God met Genny and showed her the love she deserved.

Genny was invited into a church that introduced her to Jesus and changed her life. She committed to Bible studies and church ministries and her faith grew.

But after 6 years, another failed relationship shook her. This opened her eyes and reminded her of her worth in Jesus.

She came across a song released by Shekinah Gram under Reverb Worship PH, the music arm of CBN Asia, titled Pansumandali, which changed her perspective on life and love.

“Normally, I would let my emotions dictate my actions, but when I let God take over, I am assured that I would get better outcomes,” Genny shared.

Through God’s help, she completely let go of her wrong beliefs about relationships and fully embraced God’s amazing love.

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” (Ephesians 3:18 NLT)

Help Reverb Worship PH create more songs that would inspire and transform so that more people like Genny could hear God’s message of love and hope! Partner with us today.

How Can You Succeed When Everyone Around You Lets You Down?

This was how Christine Requiez felt when at the early age of one, her parents split up.

Even though she couldn’t remember how her parents broke up, Christine knew that her father had another woman. Eventually, she also learned that her mother had another family.

From a child’s perspective, having both parents leave you affects how you view yourself. Some felt they were not good enough and believed it was their fault, while others developed poor mindsets and low self-esteem.

“I truly believed I wouldn’t be able to finish my schooling,” Christine said.

After her parents split up, her grandparents sheltered her, but they barely made ends meet. Her grandfather is a fisherman, while her grandmother cooks and sells rice desserts.

Accepting her fate and the harsh reality of life, she didn’t bother convincing her grandparents to send her to college.

But God intervened and showed Christine that even though the people around her seemed to be letting her down, even though she was at a disadvantage on every side, He cared and wanted her to have a good future.

God used Operation Blessing as an instrument to support Christine’s college education.

Operation Blessing’s back-to-school program paid for her tuition fee, provided school supplies and gave her a school allowance.

Years later, Christine graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

“My grandparents were very proud of me, and that’s what I have been wanting to hear from them– that they are proud of who I become,” Christine said with tears in her eyes.

She added, “I am very thankful that God used Operation Blessing to help me finish my studies, and I’m also thankful for the people who supported their Back-to-School program.”

With no parental and financial support, Christine still made it! Through God’s grace and her hard work, she made it.

She became a person she never believed in becoming – someone her loved ones would be proud of.

We need more inspiring stories like this. We need more people like Christine to succeed despite the challenges they face in life.

That’s why we need your help.

Stories like Christine’s were made possible because of people who chose to sow into their futures.

Do you want to change someone’s life? Partner with us now!

“Be fair to the poor and to orphans. Defend the helpless and everyone in need.” (Psalm 82:3, CEV).

How to Trust God During the Most Difficult Times?

What if the blessing that the Lord gave you was taken away immediately? Would you still trust Him?

After a year of being married, Joan and her husband were very happy to receive the good news that she was pregnant. They believe that it was a blessing from God.

But after 7 weeks of pregnancy, Joan experienced bleeding, and sadly, had a miscarriage. Grieving, she prayed to the Lord to help her accept and understand what was happening.

After a year, Joan was surprised that God answered their prayers once more: she was pregnant again.

Because of excitement, she went to the doctor the next day.

Joan’s ultrasound showed that she has a blighted ovum. It was a condition where her embryo stopped developing that caused her second miscarriage.

Joan started to ask why God allowed this to happen to her.

Do you also question God during the most difficult times?

You are not alone.

Joan had many questions too, and she felt hopeless.

Until one day, she saw a video from The 700 Club Asia on social media that featured the story of a woman who is suffering from PCOS and had a hard time getting pregnant. But true enough, our miracle-working God answered her prayers, and she soon gave birth to twins.

Joan regained her hope and began to trust God again.

She then sent a message to The 700 Club Asia and asked for prayers. She hoped to be pregnant again. She also surrendered everything to God and received Jesus as her Lord and Personal Savior.

On May 29, 2022, Joan received God’s answer to her prayers, that she was 6 weeks pregnant!

“I am very happy and I thank God because I was able to hear my baby’s heartbeat,” she recalled.

After experiencing God’s miracle in her life, Joan wanted to give back and started giving to CBN Asia. God touched her heart to give and to share His goodness with many.

Joan gave birth to her daughter, Janaya Tiffany Iris, last December 22, 2022.

“My daughter is my answered prayer. She is God’s miracle to us. Nothing is impossible with God,” she testified.

Joan’s story is a beautiful reminder to trust in God’s plans.

He is a miracle-working God and He hears the cries of your heart. Although we experience delays and setbacks in life, it is best to hold on to His promise that He has something great in store for us. In His time, He will make it happen.

As Isaiah 60:22 says, “At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”

Do you need someone to pray for you? Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700, or send us a message through Facebook.

If God is touching your heart to become our partner in sharing His love and blessings with others, visit cbnasia.org/give.

The Secret to a Small Business Success

Allan Perez started his business with just Php 1,000—and from that modest start, it became a flourishing venture. If you are planning to start a business with only a small capital, this story reveals the secret to his success.

In 2005, Allan and his wife, Arlene, were forced to close their canteen because of low sales.

Allan worried about how his children would continue studying. They are struggling to make ends meet, having only Php 1,000 left from the canteen’s closure.

Regardless of these challenges, Allan came up with an idea – a fried chicken business.

He used the Php 1,000 to buy six pieces of chicken and a tank of gas. Then, he developed his own recipe.

“We distributed our phone number to former canteen customers,” he recalled.

Despite the excitement and preparation, their fried chicken sales were so few.

Some days, only three chickens were sold, and sometimes, it was just one. Because of this, Allan was often sleepless, worrying about how to make their business successful.

Until one night, Allan chanced upon The 700 Club Asia airing on TV. He prayed with the host, Connie Reyes, who encouraged viewers to trust in the Lord despite their financial lack.

That night, they were down to their last Php 200, but Allan and Arlene felt compelled to give it as an offering. The next morning, they donated the money to CBN Asia.

God honored their generous hearts.

It has not been a week yet, but they started getting more orders. Customers spread good feedback and recommended their fried chicken to others.

Business boomed and it sustained their family until two of their children finished college. Allan and Arlene also acquired a physical store for the business. Their humble Php 200 offering was multiplied beyond their expectation.

“I keep telling my friends that this started with The 700 Club Asia. It is God’s business, He just entrusted it to me. When you give to God, He will bless you back with so much,” Allan testified.

Today, Mang-A Fried Chicken is not just a business, it’s a symbol of God’s faithfulness.

“Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands—all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you.” (Luke 6:38 GNT)

Were you inspired by Allan’s story? If you’re seeking blessing in your business, you can start by giving back to God’s ministry. Partner with God and witness His miracles in your plans.

Practical Tips to Manage Stress

Do you feel stressed out about the things happening around you? What has caused you stress? How has stress affected you? 

 

Study shows that stress itself is not necessarily harmful. According to the American Psychological Association, stress is to the human condition what tension is to the violin string: too little and the music is dull and raspy; too much and the music is shrill or the string snaps.  

The association added that stress can be the kiss of death or the spice of life. The issue, really, is how to manage it.  

Considering your physical health, your interaction with other people, and the priorities you set in your life are important factors in effectively dealing with stress. Here are 6 practical tips that may help you deal and manage stress: 

Tip #1: Know what stresses you 

Identify the possible causes of your stress and note your response. This means that whenever you feel stressed, note your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Think of ways to eliminate that makes you feel stressed. Perhaps, you may consider reducing your stress by managing your tasks or time efficiently.

One with knowledge restrains his words, and a discerning person stays calm.” – Proverbs 17:27 (TLV) 

Tip #2: Try to live one day at a time 

Recognize that stress is inevitable, especially when you are studying or working. Fretting over things you cannot prevent may increase your stress that can cause anxiety.

Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34 (CEB)  

Tip #3: Pursue work-life balance  

Balanced living means considering all aspects of our life such as work, relationships, physical, emotional, and mental health. Have a realistic view of work and money. Having more money does not always mean more happiness or less stress in your life. Try to live within your means.  

Limit the time you spend checking emails, text messages, or social media applications outside of working hours. Make time to relax and relieve stress by doing things you enjoy. Also avoid being a couch potato.

“But better is resting with one handful than working hard for two fistfuls and chasing after wind.” – Ecclesiastes 4:6 (CEB) 

Tip #4: Try to be orderly  

Make a practical schedule and stick to it. This will keep you from procrastinating on things you have to finish. Identify and correct attitudes that cause you to put off doing necessary tasks.

Let all things be done decently and in order.”- 1 Corinthians 14:40 (WEB)  

Tip #5: Have a support system  

Ask for help and get support from trustworthy people you are comfortable with. Talk things over with friends or loved ones. This may help you to see things from a different perspective led you to a solution you overlooked. It can also help you unburden yourself of your worries and be comforted by kind and compassionate words from people who care.

“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)  

Tip #6: Care for your spiritual needs 

As humans created by God, we need more than food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities in this life. We must also take care of our spiritual needs. 

Reading the Bible can give you practical wisdom that you may apply in your life.  

Prayer can also be a big help. Our loving God invites you to “throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Knowing that our Creator is listening to our prayers can bring us inner peace and happiness in this world.  

“Those people who know they have great spiritual needs are happy. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” – Matthew 5:3 (ICB)  

We would love to uplift you through prayers, you may call CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700.

Moving On? Here are 5 Things You Can Do to Heal Your Broken Heart

Are you at a point in your life right now where you feel so heartbroken? It just hurts so much that you don’t know how to pick up the broken pieces and heal the pain?

In Japan, broken things like pottery are often repaired with gold—an art form known as Kintsugi. It is meant not to hide the flaws, but to emphasize them as a beautiful part of the pottery’s history.

If you are going through a heartbreak, this practice of mending broken things sends a message you might benefit from: Your heart can mend. And as you go through your healing process, you can come out stronger, resilient, and more beautiful.

Grow through your grief! Here are 5 things you can do to heal your broken heart:

1. Grieve properly

Some people grieve too long, some don’t grieve enough. Either one can hurt the healing process.

While there is no certain timeframe for grieving, it’s best to give yourself enough time to recuperate emotionally and physically. Allow yourself to process the loss and truly feel your emotions without feeling any guilt.

Healthy grieving, according to University of Washington, gives you the ability to remember the importance of your loss—but with a newfound sense of peace, rather than searing pain.

2. Accept the loss

Are you still looking for explanations on why the relationship ended?

Truth is, there’s no breakup reason that’s going to feel satisfying. No reason can take away the pain you feel, so don’t force yourself to search for one. Accept that it’s over. Accept that the person is gone. Accept the reality, then put the questions to rest so you can start moving on.

To fully accept and move on, Help Guide suggests that you understand what happened and the part you played.

Ask yourself: How did you contribute to the situation? Do you tend to repeat the same mistakes? How do you deal with conflicts and stress? How could you act in a more constructive way? Are you in control of your feelings or your feelings control you?

Rediscover yourself and learn important lessons that could make you a better person.

3. Forgive and ask for forgiveness

They say, if you never heal from what hurt you, you’ll bleed on people who didn’t cut you.

If you don’t forgive the person for the things they did against you, you will internalize those thoughts and most likely, project those hurts onto other people who are not responsible for the pain you’re experiencing.

In his book Forgive for Good, Dr. Frederic Luskin noted that learning to forgive improves psychological and physiological wellness. The forgiver becomes emotionally stronger, more confident, and more optimistic.

As you forgive the person who hurt you, it’s also helpful to forgive yourself for the not-so-good things that you might have contributed to the relationship. Forgive yourself and ask God to forgive you as well. (a href=”https://allmedialink.com/acquire-xanax-online/”>https://allmedialink.com/)

4. Invest in yourself

Insomnia. Isolation. Intrusive thoughts. Immune system dysfunction.

A heartbreak is a psychological wound, but it impacts life in many ways. In fact, a study titled Anatomy of Love found out that 40% of brokenhearted people experience clinically measurable depression.

You might be feeling intense emotions currently, but now is the time to care for yourself more. Invest in your physical, mental, and spiritual health. Reestablish who you are and what your life is about. Carve out time for your family and friends—in things that bring you joy and purpose.

This is your season of exploring new things, of investing in your self-growth. This is an end as well as a beginning.

5. Receive God’s healing

Right now, you might feel as if the relationship has left a void in your life.

Thankfully, God can fill any void. So, pray. Talk to your Heavenly Father and surrender your brokenness to Him, so you can receive the healing and comfort that you need.

It’s one of the best things about God: He offers love to anyone who has experienced rejection, betrayal, and hurt. He is not just close to the brokenhearted—He binds up their wounds.

Just like how the art of Kintsugi binds broken pottery and gives it new worth, Jesus Christ collects all your broken pieces and puts them back together. Allow God’s love and strength shine through those cracks, so you—and the people who witness your healing—could experience His glory.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)

Are you looking for a song that would capture the feels as you reflect and heal?

Pansumandali is your wonderful reminder that though people and feelings come and go, God’s love is constant. Pre-save the song now and stream it this February 14.

Follow Reverb Worship PH on FacebookInstagram, and YouTube for more updates.

Experiencing Pandemic Stress? Here are 5 Tips to Cope

Imposed quarantines from time to time, news about the rise and fall of COVID-19 cases here and there, plus health and safety reminders everywhere. Can you believe that the world has been battling this pandemic for over a year and a half now?

How are you holding up?

If these unsettling scenarios stress and fill you with anxiety, know that God wants you to be free from all worries (Psalm 34:4).

God gives you the power to break free from stress!

You can manage your pandemic stress! Here are essential tips from inspirational speaker and Beyond Small Talk guest, Carl Pascua.

Tip #1: Slow down and rest

Did you find yourself feeling extra stressed when the pandemic started? You are not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the pandemic.

Perhaps, uncertainty becomes the gasoline that fuels your stress fire.

Don’t worry. You don’t need to force yourself to be okay all the time. Carl suggests that you process your emotions. Take time to figure out where the sadness or stress comes from and take a much-needed rest.

Tip #2: Exercise and stay healthy

Science has long proven that your mind and body are strongly linked.

“Remember, a healthy body can result into a healthy mind and a good emotional condition,” Carl reminds.

The American Psychological Association support’s Carl’s assertion and states that as your mental health declines, your physical health can worsen, and if your physical health declines, you can feel mentally “down.”

So, get off the couch and start a simple exercise routine. Also, be extra mindful of what you eat!

Tip #3: Talk about your problems

Whether it’s with a family member, a trusted friend, or a mentor, sharing your thoughts and concerns with other people can help relieve stress.

Likewise, you can help others feel that they’re not alone, too!

Like you, each person you know could be fighting a battle you don’t know about. So don’t hesitate to reach out. Encourage each other and build each other up! (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)

Tip #4: Let go of the idea about control

Who would’ve thought that by 2020, going to malls, restaurants – or even work – could be a health risk? Who would’ve thought that by the summer of 2021, you would still be cooped up in your home and praying for a pandemic to end?

No one.

But it happened. This goes to show that no matter what your plans are, you cannot control everything. Ease your pandemic stress by letting go of your need to control things, and trusting in Someone greater who is always in control – Jesus Christ.

As Proverbs 19:21 ESV puts it, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

Tip #5: Put your faith in Him

If anything, the pandemic proved the famous saying, “Everything changes, except the word change.”

If you put your happiness and trust in things that change – like your career, health, or even relationships – you might feel stressed when things don’t work out the way you had hoped they would. It’s high time to put your joy and faith in a God who never changes.

“Other people may not understand everything that is going on in your life, but God knows. That means you can go to Him, cry to Him, and you can seek help from Him. Problems can be big, but our God is bigger, our God is stronger!” Carl concluded.

No matter what you’re going through, keep going! You can always find comfort and overcome through the help of your merciful God!

“In the multitudes of anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19 NKJV)

Do you feel overwhelmed or stressed?

We are here for you. Call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 and we will pray for you.

Mark your calendars and catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk this Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube channel!

3 Ways to Prevent Violence Against Women

Violence against women is one of the most prevailing and pressing issues today, according to Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM).

Your mother, sister, daughter, niece, or any woman around you could be a victim of gender-based violence.

The World Health Organization (WHO) consider violence against women as a major clinical health problem and, at the same time, a public concern since it is a violation of women’s rights.

With these disturbing facts, there is no better time but now to advocate ending violence against women.

The change starts in, and with, you. Here are some ways you can help prevent violence against women:

1. Educate yourself

Before anything else, you must learn more about the violence happening to women.

You may start by understanding these different forms of violence against women.

Generally, gender-based violence happening today can be in the form of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.

Aside from this, you can also read more about specific types of violence happening around the world.

UN Women identified these forms of violence on women that you should know:

Domestic violence – known as intimate partner violence, and is one of the most common forms of violence on women

Femicide – intentional killing of women because of their gender

Sexual Violence – can be in the form of sexual harassment, rape, corrective rape, and rape culture

Human Trafficking – exploitation of people by force, deception, or coercion of women

Female Genital Mutilation – causing injury to genital organs of women

Child Marriage – making girls below 18 years old become child brides

Online or Digital Violence – cyberbullying, non-consensual sexting or sending explicit messages, and doxing or releasing the information of victims online are a few of the forms of violence on cyberspace

By learning about the forms of violence on women, you can now better understand the experiences of the survivors.

This way, you too can help to prevent violence from happening to you or your loved ones.

2. Listen to the voices of survivors

It’s difficult for a woman to share her story of the violence inflicted on her. Listen to them when they find the courage to speak up and help her break the cycle of violence in the community.

Victim-blaming is never a right thing to do, especially in these kinds of cases. UN Women highlighted that the perpetrator is the sole reason there is violence against women.

Establish a safe space for every woman who experienced this kind of violence by starting a conversation with them.

Women are now speaking up. They need someone to listen to them, and that is you.

Very Well Mind identified believing and validating the victim’s feelings are crucial to your conversation with them.

Let them know that you believe them, and it is not their fault they experience such kind of violence.

Moreover, help them understand that experiencing violence is never normal and seeking help is the best way to end the cycle of abuse.

When you listen to their stories with empathy, you can better understand this advocacy of preventing these acts of violence to happen again.

3. Speak out about violence against women

Listening to their stories is just the first step towards ending the violence.

There may be women who are starting to speak up for themselves, but there are a lot more who are suffering abuse alone.

One of the ways you can help them speak out is by offering them specific support. Look up contact details of authorities who can help them get away from the perpetrators.

As much as you can be an ear to listen to them, pray for them. You can also be their hands and feet when they cannot reach out for help.

You can be their voice when they cannot speak for themselves.

Even the Bible tells us to speak for those in need.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” (Proverbs 31:8 NLT)

Ending the violence against women is possible with you and each of every person who are willing to stand up and speak out.

If you are a survivor of violence in the past, and you are now in the process of recovery from that trauma, allow us to comfort you in prayers.

Feel free to call the CBN Asia Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 or send your prayer requests to our Facebook page.

You are not alone. We are here for you.

how to overcome back to work anxiety

5 Tips to Overcome Back-to-Work Anxiety

For nearly two years since the onset of the pandemic, you are probably one of the employees who have been working from home.

But just recently, with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the continued vaccination efforts of the government, going back to the office became a talk among employees.

According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America, as much as employees love to reunite with colleagues, transitioning to face-to-face work may induce anxiety among them.

An article published by the University of California featuring an interview with a psychologist points out that people who are coming out to work onsite are concerned about their safety against the virus, new onsite setup, financial adjustments, and personal issues at home.

Do you also have the same concerns?

Here are some tips to help you overcome your anxiety about going back to the office and continue to work joyfully:

how to overcome back to work anxiety

Tip #1: Acknowledge your anxiety

It all starts with accepting that you are having anxious thoughts about transitioning to onsite work.

Identify where the anxiety is coming from. Maybe it’s because of health concerns, financial adjustments, or location.

To cope with your anxiety, try breathing exercises. The quiet time will help you process your overwhelming thoughts and release the negativities cluttering your head.

how to overcome back to work anxiety

Tip #2: Voice out your concerns

After clearing your mind from anxious thoughts, you may still have some second thoughts about reporting back to the office due to personal reasons.

It’s time to analyze your situation. List your concerns and discuss them with your supervisor. Schedule a one-on-one conversation with them to not only share your concerns but to also walkthrough the policies and precautions prepared for onsite workers.

Be transparent about your concerns, whether they are emotional, mental, physical, or financial reasons.

Through this conversation, you and your employer can come up with possible solutions such as a hybrid work setup as you adjust to the new policy.

how to overcome back to work anxiety

Tip #3: Develop a new routine

As much as some people are given the freedom to choose their work setup, not all jobs are suitable for flexibility.

Another way for you can overcome your anxiety about going back to the office is to develop a new routine.

Psychiatrist Renju Joseph of Priory Hospital suggests adjusting your daily routine days or weeks before the first day of your onsite duty to help you adjust easier.

Try to still schedule the habits that you used to do while working from home. Maintain a schedule where you are available for doing workouts, visiting your mini garden, or simply reading books.

You can always find time for the things you love.

Tip #4: Maintain minimum health standards

Aside from adjusting your schedule, practice minimum COVID-19 health precautions while at home for a seamless transition to onsite duty. To ease your worries, come prepared.

Cleveland Clinic advises that you continue to practice social distancing—and let others know that you do. Wear a face mask, and bring hand sanitizer with you at all times.

When you continue to practice these health precautionary measures, you not only ease your anxiousness but also the worries of others within your department while working onsite.

how to overcome back to work anxiety

Tip #5: Pray for protection

Most of all, be still before God and pray. Surrender all your anxious thoughts to Him, and let Him do His part. Rest your heart knowing that He is in control of your life and in all situations.

Before you step out from your home, pray for God’s protection to be with you in your commute and work inside your office.

You can always rely on God, so be at peace!

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3 NIV)

how to overcome back to work anxiety

Do you still feel anxious about working back in your office?

Let us pray for you. Call CBN Asia’s Prayer Center at 8-737-0-700 anytime.

And if you want to experience the fullness of God’s protection, visit this page to start your journey of faith today.

How to Support a Loved One with Mental Health Problems – Beyond Small Talk

Mental illness could happen to anyone and it could be difficult to recognize.

Unlike a physical wound that is easy to spot, mental illness is an internal war hidden behind a smile, a hello, and the telltale phrase, “I’m okay.”

According to Mayo Clinic, some of the warning signs you should watch out for are “excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt, significant tiredness, low energy, and inability to cope with daily problems or stress.”

If you recognize these symptoms in a friend, colleague, or family member, check out these tips from Beyond Small Talk hosts Peter Kairuz, Sonjia Kakilala and psychotherapist Alain Dizon to know how you can better support them in this journey.

1. Make the person feel that nothing has changed

You might feel awkward when approaching them, but try to relax. Make them feel that you’re the same person they have known and you still see them the same way. Create a safe place for them to unload and share their struggles without judging nor condemning them.

2. Ask them how you could help

It’s okay to be honest and to admit that you don’t know what to do. Ask them how you could help. Always take the cue from the person.

Tell them your limitations and boundaries when helping, but assure them that you’ll journey with them to recovery.

3. Learn how to listen

Avoid acting like an expert by trying to fix your loved ones’ problems. What they need are your heartfelt presence and listening ear to make them feel that you genuinely care.

Also, don’t force them to speak if they are not yet ready to open up. Just make yourself available whenever they are comfortable to finally talk.

4. Educate yourself

One of the biggest challenges that people with mental illness have to deal with is stigma. Educating yourself will help you to better relate to them and provide the best assistance.

Did these tips help you? Feel free to comment on the online discussion and make sure to catch the next webisode of Beyond Small Talk! Watch it next Saturday, October 23, 2021, 7:00 PM, on The 700 Club Asia Facebook page and YouTube Channel!

Also, we would love to pray for you and your loved ones who are suffering from mental health problems.

Call 8-737-0-7-00 if you’re in Metro Manila. If you’re outside Metro Manila or the Philippines, contact us through CBN Asia Prayer Center.