Brand & Business: Hidilyn Diaz sports psychologist teams up with PLDT, Smart, advocating mental health in sports

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Strengthening the companies’ commitment to championing mental health awareness, PLDT and Smart launched the Power Move Project, a conversations series on sports and mental resilience. The initiative is supported by athletes and advocates, including Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz, Gilas Pilipinas basketball player Dwight Ramos, Call of Duty: Mobile sensation Jayzee Rivera, and PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters Team Captain and Philippine Women’s Volleyball National Team Player Rhea Dimaculangan. 

Most recently, Sports Psychologist Dr. Karen Trinidad joined the Power Move Project’s conversations on strength and resilience. Trinidad has played a critical role in empowering some of the country’s top athletes, especially when it comes to strengthening their mental health and wellness. One of these athletes is Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz. 

According to Trinidad, while athletes are seen as physically strong, it is equally important for them to take care of their mental health as well. 

“Mental health is a vital part of an athlete’s life. Despite being perceived as physically fit, active and healthy, athletes can still suffer just as much as everyone else in terms of mental health problems. When athletes take care of their mental health, they are able to cope with difficult times. Nurturing their mental health can help them combat or prevent mental health problems,” Trinidad said. 

Trinidad also shared that some of the important ways to maintain a positive mental well-being, include focusing on what one can control; adapting a regular routine, which will provide a sense of purpose; doing things that one can enjoy, which is part of self-care; maintaining good health through proper nutrition and exercises; staying connected to people whom one values; limiting social media use; and finding humor as one of the best survival tools. 

She also underscored the importance of seeking professional help when things become worse or unbearable. “Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but it is the best way to take care of your health,” she said. 

PLDT and Smart seek to uplift and improve the overall physical and mental wellness of Filipinos through initiatives that ensure food security, improve nutrition, and create awareness online. 

These initiatives emphasize the commitment of PLDT and Smart to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG #2: Zero Hunger, and SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being.

For more details about the Power Move Project, follow Better Today (@bettertodayph) on Facebook, Instagram.