Position Paper

Bryan Apilat
ABM 12 - Pascal

Country: Philippines
Delegate: Bryan Apilat
Topic: Mental Health Awareness in School

In the Philippines, Understanding of mental health issues has grown to be a crucial

factor influencing students' academic success and general well-being. Prioritising mental
health programs in schools is essential as we observe the difficulties that Filipino
adolescents confront. This position paper makes the claim that creating a supportive learning
environment in Philippine schools. along with enhancing students and understanding
regarding mental health.
Students in the Philippines confront additional difficulties due to a lack of suitable
mental health resources and support services. Many students find it difficult to manage their
mental health issues on their own due to limited access to counselling services, support
networks, and qualified mental health specialists. The Philippine statistics Authority reports
that the Philippines has one of the lowest rates of mental health professionals in the world,
with only one psychiatrist for every 250,000 Filipinos (PSA, 2022)
Students academic performance and general well - being are negatively impacted by
untreated mental health concerns. Students' capacity to them academically might be
hampered by anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that affect focus,
memory, and decision making. The Department of Education Philippines that acknowledges
the impact of mental health on students educational outcomes and advocates for the
integration of mental health education and support services in schools (DepEd, 2022)
In order to address mental health issues in Filipino schools, early intervention and
education are crucial. Schools can enable students to identify and proactively treat their
mental health issues by incorporating mental health education into the curriculum, and treat
their mental health needs. Research published in the International Journal of Mental Health
systems the effectiveness of school-based mental health programs in improving students
knowledge, attitudes, and neto-seeking behaviours regarding mental health (Tayag et al.,
2018)
 In conclusion, raising awareness of mental health issues in Filipino schools is morally
required for the welfare of our children as well as academics. It's high time that mental health
be given top priority in Filipino schools and that proactive measures be taken to guarantee the
complete development of our future leaders.