THE UNIVERSITY of Mindanao has postponed the start of the second semester to give way to the week-long celebration of National Mental Health Awareness Week.

In a statement, the university said the start of the second term will be moved to October 26 in-stead of October 19.

It said it supports mental health activities and recognizes that a lot of its students are suffering mental health issues because of the pandemic.

“Our observance will boost the morale of our students as well as our teachers, many of whom are already experiencing mental stress and social deprivation brought by these trying times,” UM said.

The Department of Health initiated the National Mental Health Awareness Week to raise public awareness and to strengthen the advocacy on mental health issues.

Meanwhile, other schools and universities implemented Mental Health Breaks to support and help students and educators who are struggling with distance learning.