Wounded Hearts

Chapter 1

"Now that I finished discussing all the disorders under Anxiety, Trauma- and stressor-Related disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders and since some of you is not paying attention, let's have some exercises. Hold on"

I remembered how enthusiastic I am entering this course, thinking it would be easy and fun. But, I was wrong.

It's not that easy memorizing theories and diagnostic criteria, learning proper assessment and identifying appropriate therapy for a disorder.

"Tanginang buhay 'to, eto na naman siya" narinig kong bulong ni Kianna sa tabi ko.

Napailing na lamang ako. Maging ako'y kinakabahan at baka matawag akong sumagot. Minabuti ko na lamang na basahin ang naisulat kong notes at baka sakaling maka-chamba kapag natawag.

"Just like our past activities, I will present a case and try to assess the symptoms being presented and identify under what disorder is being presented. So here's the first case. Mr. Alferez, kindly read."

"Maria 22 year-old student expressed feelings of depression and stress towards studies due to worries of failing. She spends much of her time watching dramas in her room but can't seem to find it enjoyable. She rarely attend classes and is avoiding her professors. Maria described herself as a shy person resulting her to have few friends and groups during her highschool days. When exposed to meeting new people, Maria can't seem to focus in the interaction alone because she is busy worrying what others may say to her such as judging the way she look, talks, behave or even call her "dumb" or "stupid". When she began worrying, this makes her unable to speak because of loss of words and even excessive sweating which adds up to her feeling of uneasiness. After the interaction, Maria couldn't help abut to replay the conversation she had over and over, emphasizing all the things she do and the stupid words she said. Moreover, she manifested uncomfortability with authority figures and has had a hard time approaching them due to excessive worrying. Since she entered college, she has been isolating more, turning down invitations from her classmates to go eat or hang out, ignoring her phone when someone is calling, and skipping class often. Her concerns about how others see her is what pushed her to engage in these avoidance behaviors."

"Alright, I'll give you five minutes to assess the problem. Make sure na kapag tinawag ko kayong sumagot, you can defend your answers"

Maging ako ay ginugulo ni Kianna dahil kinakabahan raw siya.

I just focused myself reading the case  repeatedly, matching it to the diagnostic criteria of each disorder. I admit, Abnormal and Clinical Psychology is kind of challenging for me but it is fun.

"Alright, five minutes is over. May I call Ms. Kianna Echavez to answer my question"

Tila lumuwa ang mata ng kaibigan ko nang marinig ang kanyang pangalan. Sa tingin niya pa lang sa akin ay alam kong hindi niya alam ang isasagot.

"So Ms. Echavez, can you share us what would be the possible diagnosis you come up upon reading patient Maria's case?"

"Honestly Ma'am, I didn't come up with a diagnosis yet. Five minutes isn't enough for me. I'm sorry ma'am" she confidently said.

Our professor's brows furrowed, disappointed with my friend's answer.

"Is that how you respond Ms. Echavez? You're already in your third year and yet, you're giving that kind of answer. Sa board exams, hindi mo pwedeng sisihin ang PRC na kulang ang oras kaya ka bumagsak. How unprofessional!" Galit niyang sabi. Napabuntong-hininga na lamang si Kianna at lahat sa klase ay natahimik.

"Who's your friend here in the class? she asked.

"Ako po Ma'am" agad kong sagot.

"Oh, Ms. Villescas. Stand and save your friend. Answer the same question" aniya .