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Your Safe Place:Mapag-malapsych-it, Tapuac, Dagupan City (2025)

28/11/2025

💭 “Ang bigat ng pakiramdam ko… hindi ko alam ang uunahin.”

When disaster hits, the fear and confusion are real.
But even in such moments, our body continues quietly to protect us by
certain parts of the brain that sense danger and signals that help us stay alert and keep moving. 🌧️➡️🌱

And sometimes, healing begins with the simplest acts of kindness such as sharing meal, a blanket, a simple “kamusta ka?”.
Small gestures that help rebuild strength little by little. 🤍

Resilience isn’t about being unbreakable.
It’s about surviving the storm and finding support along the way. 🫂

To anyone facing tough days, PsychMates is sending warmth, comfort, and hope.
Tag someone who needs this reminder today. 🤗✨

28/11/2025

In every storm that strikes, resilience shines not just in our minds or bodies, but in our shared spirit. Our brains help us stay alert and focused through the amygdala and norepinephrine, yet it’s our compassion, courage, and unity that truly carry us through. Each typhoon tests our strength but highlights the bravery and connection of the Filipino people, who are always ready to rise again.

27/11/2025

“I’m sorry…😞”

Ever wondered why saying “sorry,” showing respect, or understanding someone’s feelings feels right?

It’s not just upbringing—kindness and respect are skills we can practice. 🌟

Social etiquette is more than manners—it’s biology shaping how we treat each other.�So the next time you choose to be respectful or gentle with someone, remember that you’re practicing emotional intelligence built deep in your neural wiring. 💛

So today, let’s start to be mindful, patient, and thoughtful in how we treat each other. ✨

27/11/2025

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰, 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰. 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰!

Understanding social etiquette goes beyond “good manners.”
Our everyday interactions— 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨, 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨—are guided by the brain’s systems for empathy, impulse control, and social awareness. The brain’s 𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙟𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 (𝙏𝙋𝙅) helps us understand others’ feelings, promoting polite behavior. Neurotransmitters like 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙣, 𝙙𝙤𝙥𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚, and 𝙤𝙭𝙮𝙩𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙣 work together to calm us, reward positive social exchanges, and build trust—creating harmony in groups.

Together, these brain processes show how our biology supports good manners and strong relationships💪 🤩

By:
Apostol, Clarhinz Joy C.
Bautista, Vaness Moore S.
Cariño, Morinne Gaile M.
Gabriel, Rafael Jay P.
Sison, Lyka Cherisse S.
BS Psychology IV

26/11/2025

Empathy: Seek to Understand

Empathy is the bridge that connects us—allowing us to see through another’s eyes, feel their emotions, and act with compassion. It is the science of connection, rooted in our brains and bodies, and the art of compassion that transforms understanding into action.

Practicing empathy is not just kindness—it is a survival instinct, a skill, and a path to unity. By choosing empathy, we strengthen trust, dissolve barriers, and nurture communities. It empowers us to listen deeply, act thoughtfully, and ensure everyone feels seen and valued. Let us cultivate empathy to create a world of connection and harmony.

26/11/2025

Ever wondered why you can feel someone else’s emotions as if they were your own? 🤔

Empathy isn’t just ‘being nice’ — it’s your brain mirroring others’ feelings, activating emotional centers, and guiding your responses. 🧠💛
Swipe through to learn how empathy works, why it differs among people, and how to develop it in healthy ways without burning out. 🌱💬

Let’s understand the brain behind empathy, shaping the way we connect—one insight at a time. 💛

25/11/2025

💭The talks of having compassion is very relevant on these past calamities that we, Filipinos, bravely faced for the past few months. Despite having unseen burdens, we still choose to be warm, understanding, and help those who are in need. But have you ever wondered how does your brain work when you’re helping other people out of the kindness of your heart? 🩷

👇CLICK on the photos to know more about the physiology of COMPASSION—together, let us discover the science behind it and move as one towards a community that willingly helps one another! 💚🩷💙

25/11/2025

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬?

It starts within — where the heart and brain work together to guide us toward warmth, care, and genuine understanding. Every small gesture, whether it’s listening to someone who needs space or celebrating their little wins, reflects how our biology nudges us toward kindness. 🦋

Our brains and bodies are wired to notice distress, respond with empathy, and even reward us when we choose to care. Through compassion, we connect, uplift, and create meaningful change in the lives of others — something science itself beautifully supports through our hormones and neurotransmitters. 🩷🧠

References:
Carter, C. S., & Porges, S. W. (2012). The biochemistry of love: an oxytocin hypothesis. EMBO Reports, 14(1), 12–16.
https://doi.org/10.1038/embor.2012.191

Eklund, J. H., & Meranius, M. S. (2021). Toward a consensus on the nature of empathy: A review of reviews. Patient Education and Counseling, 104(2), 300-307.

Hill, D., PhD. (2023). It’s not whether pain will show up; it’s how we’ll respond when it does. Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/from-striving-to-thriving/202304/what-is-compassion-and-why-should-we-care/amp

Labrakakis, C. (2023). The role of the insular cortex in pain. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(6), 5736.

Lockwood, P. L., Apps, M. A., & Chang, S. W. (2020). Is there a ‘Social’ brain? implementations and algorithms. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 24(10), 802–813.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2020.06.011

Menon, V. (2024). Insular cortex: A hub for saliency, cognitive control, and interoceptive awareness. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 159–183).
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-820480-1.00093-0

Ocran, E., MBChB, MSc. (2023). Orbitofrontal cortex. Kenhub.
https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/orbitofrontal-cortex

Rolls, E. (2025). The Orbitofrontal Cortex, Emotion, and Their Disorders Including Depression. Biological Psychiatry, 97(9), S1.

24/11/2025

Discover the amazing science behind every act of kindness!💡🧐

When you help, comfort, or support someone, your mind and body transform: oxytocin boosts your bonds💕, dopamine gives you that feel-good rush✨, your insula lights up for empathy🤍, and your VMPFC guides you to make compassionate choices🤗. Kindness isn't just an emotion, it’s a whole-brain experience that connects us, inspires change, and makes the world brighter one positive action at a time. 🧠🦋🌷

Let’s make a change together: practice kindness, inspire others, and create a chain of compassion that spreads far beyond you!🤝💙💚🤍

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -Aesop

24/11/2025

“Bakit ang bait mo pa rin… kahit pagod ka na?” 🥺💭

That persistent, soft whisper of kindness—even when you’re utterly drained—isn't just a conscious choice, it's a testament to how we are wired. ✨

Oftentimes, we view exhaustion as the end of kindness, thinking we must reserve our energy. Yet, the physiology of kindness proves the opposite. We are instinctively wired to recognize struggle and move to help and act kindly. 💓 That small, gentle word or offering a hand 🤝, even when you feel you have nothing left to give, demonstrates that your inherent kindness is stronger than your exhaustion. 💪

Real kindness doesn't require grand gestures. It starts with honoring what someone feels, a pause 🤲, a gentle word, or a small act that silently says “You are safe here”, "You are not alone," or "I see you." 🌻

Remember, that tiny effort makes a real difference in someone's day, while also giving you subtle satisfaction and fulfillment. 🌟

To everyone who continues to choose kindness despite their fatigue, thank you. 🙏 You are living proof that we are wired to care. 💕

Poster created by:
Abad, Sheryn Q.
Ballesteros, Safinah Mei S.
Butac, Mariella Mae M.
Clemente, Wenn Kirby E.
Rosal, Princess Sarah Q.
🖋️🎨
BS Psychology 4th Year Students
A.Y. 2025-2026

23/11/2025

"Sleep deprivation is an illegal torture method outlawed by the Geneva Convention and international courts, but most of us do it to ourselves"
- Ryan Hurd

Sleep deprivation has become one of the biggest health challenges of our time. The pressures from school, work, technology, and stress have caused many of us to sacrifice our sleep, unaware of the heavy consequences it takes. The effects that it give us is so alarming - poor focus, weakened mental health, decreased productivity, and higher risk of chronic illness.

WHAT TO DO:
SHORT-TERM RELIEF
• Take a power nap (15-30 mins): Restores alertness without making you groggy.
• Get sunlight exposure: Natural light helps reset your body clock and boosts energy.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration worsens fatigue, so drink water.
• Move your body: Light stretching or a quick walk improves circulation and alertness.
• Use caffeine wisely: A cup of coffee or tea can help, but avoid it late in the day.

LONG-TERM RECOVERY
• Prioritize sleep schedule
• Create a bedtime routine
• Limit screens before bed
• Optimize your sleep environment
• Balance workload & rest
• Seek medical help if sleep problems persist

This is a call to action - we must break the cycle and raise awareness. Let's promote healthier sleep habits, educate others about its dangers, and create a culture that values rest as essential, not optional. The time to act is now - because better sleep means a better life.

References:
Better Health Channel. (2014, June 30). Sleep deprivation. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sleep-deprivation
Blackwelder, A., Hoskins, M., & Huber, L. (2021). Effect of Inadequate Sleep on Frequent Mental Distress. Preventing Chronic Disease, 18(18). https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd18.200573
Cleveland clinic. (2022, August 11). Sleep Deprivation: What It Is, Symptoms, Treatment & Stages. Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23970-sleep-deprivation
Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. (2022, March 16). How Sleep Deprivation Impacts Mental Health. Columbia University Department of Psychiatry; Columbia University. https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-mental-health
Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. (2021, October 1). Why Sleep Matters: Consequences of Sleep Deficiency. Sleep.hms.harvard.edu. https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-45
Ramos, A. R., Wheaton, A. G., & Johnson, D. A. (2023). Sleep Deprivation, Sleep Disorders, and Chronic Disease. Preventing Chronic Disease, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.5888/pcd20.230197
‌Summer, J. (2023, April 21). Do Power Naps Work? Sleep Foundation. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/power-nap

23/11/2025

Why Do we Dream?
Uncovering the mystery of dreams

References:

Nolen-Hoksema S., et al. (2014). Introduction to Psychology ( 16th Edition). Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Matters of the Mind. (2024, April 30). Matters of the Mind FULL EPISODE | April 29th, 2024 | PBS Fort Wayne [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sir81t_ghKI

Akhtar, N. (2022). Neurophysiology of Dreams. 65–80. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0123-1_4

Kumar, G., Naaz, S., Jabin, N., Sasidharan, A., Nagendra, R. P., Yadav, R., & Kutty, B. M. (2025). Neurophysiological features of dream recall and the phenomenology of dreams: Auditory stimulation impacts dream experiences. Consciousness and Cognition, 132, 103869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2025.103869

Tsunematsu, T. (2022). What are the neural mechanisms and physiological functions of dreams? Neuroscience Research, 189(189). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neures.2022.12.017

Fisher-Hicks, S., Lovett, V., Wood, R. L., & Blagrove, M. (2025). The association of brain injury severity with dream cessation and nightmares. Neuropsychologia, 217, 109209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2025.109209

‌Eske, J. (2020, October 22). Why can’t I remember my dreams?Www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-cant-i-remember-my-dreams

The interpretation of dreams : Freud, Sigmund, 1856-1939 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (2014). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/interpretationof1913freu/page/n5/mode/2up

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