MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON GRADE 9

JADE/DIAMOND STUDENTS OF ELIZALDE ACADEMY

AVRIEL D. DARUCA
LARA ANGELA W. DOLORFINO
ALEA JASMIN C. BERNARDEZ
KATHRINA FAYE B. DISTAJO
RONALD O. ONANAD
JAY LORENCE C. VILLANUEVA
JOHN ASHLY G. FOREL
JEROME T. SOGELLO
ROMERT J. PEÑALOSA

June 2023
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background Of the Study

Mental health issues among high school students have become a growing concern

globally. Adolescence is a period of significant emotional, physical, and psychological

development, making it a vulnerable phase for the emergence of mental health challenges.

High school students encounter various stressors such as academic pressure, social

expectations, and the complexities of personal identity development. Factors like peer pressure,

bullying, and societal stigma further exacerbate the challenges associated with mental health in

this demographic. The COVID-19 pandemic has also introduced new stressors, leading to

increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among high school students. The

prevalence of these challenges underscores the urgent need for effective mental health awareness

and support mechanisms tailored specifically to high school students.

Mental health awareness is crucial for students for a variety of reasons. First and

foremost, students are at a pivotal stage of development, and increased awareness about mental

health can help them navigate the challenges they may encounter during this formative period.

With the pressures of academic performance, social relationships, and transitions to adulthood,

students often face stressors that can impact their mental well-being. By raising awareness about

mental health, educational institutions can provide students with the knowledge and tools to

recognize, understand, and address their own mental health needs.

 Furthermore, mental health awareness promotes early intervention and support. By

educating students about the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, educational

institutions can help identify those who may need assistance and connect them with appropriate

resources. This proactive approach can potentially mitigate the negative impact of mental health

issues and facilitate timely access to professional support, ultimately leading to better outcomes

for students who may be struggling with their mental health.

Moreover, fostering mental health awareness among students promotes a culture of

empathy, understanding, and inclusivity. It encourages open conversations about mental health,

reduces stigma, and creates an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help and

support. This can contribute to building a more compassionate and supportive community within

educational settings and beyond, where individuals feel safe sharing their experiences and

accessing the assistance they need.

Lastly, mental health awareness equips students with essential life skills related to self-

care, stress management, and emotional well-being. By providing students with knowledge about

mental health, educational institutions empower them to develop healthy coping strategies,

resilience, and self-advocacy skills. This, in turn, can contribute to their overall well-being and

long-term mental wellness, preparing them to navigate the complexities of life beyond the

classroom.
 Epistemological and Theoretical Framework of the Study

Mental health knowledge and awareness among Elizaldean students

The study aims to investigate the awareness and knowledge of mental health among the

students in Elizalde Academy. It underscores the importance of understanding the students'

awareness levels regarding mental health issues. The focus is on exploring the extent of

knowledge, attitudes, and potential socio-demographic influences on mental health awareness

among this specific group. Two different questionnaires (i.e., knowledge and awareness) were

developed to assess mental health knowledge and awareness. The two outcome variables in this

study were mental health knowledge level and awareness level. The cut-off value was taken as

80% of the total scores of both the knowledge and awareness scales and divided into higher and

lower groups. Data were analyzed using different descriptive statistical tools and binary logistic

regression model. We found more than half (62.1%) of the students had higher knowledge, and

85.1% of the students had a higher awareness of mental health problems.

The study recognizes the need for insights into the cognitive processes of tha students

regarding mental health. It emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and awareness as essential

components for addressing the growing mental health concerns among students. The research

seeks to uncover the existing awareness status and knowledge gaps, contributing to the broader

understanding of the intellectual and social dimensions of mental health among university

students. Knowledge of mental health is insufficient. As a result, it is essential to comprehend the

gaps in knowledge and awareness of mental health disorders, as well as how they are addressed.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

 Generally, the purpose of this study is to recognize Mental Health Awareness: An

Exploratory Study on Grade 9 Students of Elizalde Academy. Specifically, this study aims to

answer the following:

1. How can students cope up with their mental health problems?

2. What actionable steps can we take to promote mental well-being and prioritize self-care

in our daily routines?

3. In which sense mental illness impact the student’s behavior?

Significance of the Study

This study can shed light on the extent of mental health awareness among high school

students, which in turn can inform educators and parents, about the need for comprehensive

mental health education and support systems in schools. With an increasing number of

adolescents experiencing mental health issues, understanding the level of awareness among high

school students is crucial for developing effective interventions and support mechanisms.

Furthermore, the study's findings can help identify potential gaps in existing mental

health education and stigma reduction efforts within high school settings. By pinpointing specific

areas where students may lack awareness or understanding of mental health. Here are some

possible benefits of mental health awareness;

Reduced Stigma. Mental health awareness initiatives can help reduce the stigma

surrounding mental illness. When people are more knowledgeable about mental health
conditions, they are less likely to hold stigmatizing attitudes and are more likely to offer support

and understanding to those experiencing mental health challenges.

Improved Help-Seeking Behaviors. Increased awareness can encourage individuals to

seek help when they are struggling with their mental health. People who are aware of the

available support and resources are more likely to reach out for assistance, leading to better

access to mental health services and improved overall mental well-being.

Positive Attitudes and Behaviors. Greater awareness of mental health can lead to more

positive attitudes and behaviors toward mental health issues. This can include increased

empathy, improved communication, and a willingness to engage in open and supportive

conversations about mental health.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Mental Health. Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social

well-being.

Awareness. In the context of this research, awareness refers to the knowledge,

understanding, and recognition of mental health issues, including the ability to identify signs and

symptoms, understand the impact of mental health on well-being, and recognize the importance

of seeking support and engaging in positive mental health practices.

High School Students. This term refers to individuals typically between the ages of 14

who are enrolled in high school or tertiary education.

 Stigma. It refers to negative attitudes, beliefs, and misconceptions surrounding mental

health issues, which can lead to discrimination, social, and exclusion.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The study will focus on the Grade-9 Jade/Diamond students of Elizalde Academy. The

research will explore the level of awareness, behavior, and knowledge related to mental health

issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, and coping strategies among high school students. It

will investigate the primary sources from which students obtain information about mental health,

including family, school education, social media, and other external sources.

The study will be limited to a specific academic year to capture a snapshot of the mental

health awareness among high school students within that period. The research will not involve

diagnosing or screening for specific mental health disorders among the participants, but rather

focus on their general awareness and attitudes toward mental health. While acknowledging the

importance of school policies and mental health programs, the research will not extensively

evaluate specific policies or program, but rather focus on students' perceptions.