IN A bid to address the mental health problems in the communities of Cagayan de Oro City, the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) started a two-day mental health forum on Tuesday, April 24, at the Hard Hat Cafe in Barangay Tablon.

Participated by Violence Against Women (VAW) Desk officers from the city's different barangays, the activity aims to inform them of the mental health effects caused by violence and abuse not just to women but also their children, families and communities.

Such an information, the CSWD said, will help the VAW desk officers assist clients with mental health problems within their respective barangays.

Among the topics being discussed during the forum include the long-term mental health effects of violence against women such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The VAW desk officers were also taught of the basic assessment techniques and basic counseling skills.

The two-day forum is part of the City Government's program to address mental health problems within the city, including a plan to build a mental hospital in Cagayan de Oro.