Mental health is a pressing concern in educational institutions. Students experience pressure and burnout, some even become depressed due to the crushing weight of deadlines, and many more develop unhealthy coping mechanisms due to low grades.
Assistance and counseling are available to students. And yet, mental health continues to be a worldwide concern. It seems colleges and universities still need to do more.
The latest summa cum laude graduates of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde suggest how schools can best address mental health of students.
Jonas Fabian G. Roque, BS Real Estate Management
Schools can address mental health by reducing stigma around “guidance offices” to shift perceptions from punitive to supportive. Renaming them (e.g., Well-Being Center) sends caring vibes. While names matter, actions must align to foster trust and inclusion by providing safe spaces, empathetic staff, and proactive outreach.
Jansen Christian D. Antiporda, BS Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management
By lending minds to those struggling with their own, schools can have a supportive and preemptive approach to address students’ mental health. From providing accessible help and fostering safe and inclusive spaces, to implementing compassionate teaching methods, among other efforts—through these, tangible value is given to the intangible reality of mental health.
Joriz Lauren P. Gozon, BS Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management
One thing schools can do is educate professors on how to handle their students’ concerns, and be more sensitive and mindful in their words and actions. Having an inclusive community that is open and doesn’t shame students when they feel a decline in their mental health promotes a positive mindset.
From left: Therese Victoria M. Jose, Krista Leigh P. Vega, and Elizah Ruth T. Magliquian
Therese Victoria M. Jose, BS Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management
For students, mental health can be difficult to take care of. I think schools may help address concerns by fostering an approachable image, and making sure that all faculty members achieve mental health literacy to treat matters carefully and mindfully. Hopefully, schools can create a safe space for students where there is reduced stigma towards mental health.
Krista Leigh P. Vega, BS Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management
I recommend implementing term-based mental health breaks to help reduce academic and extracurricular pressure and foster improved focus and emotional well-being. Frequent promotion of counseling services through social media, webinars, seminars, and classroom visits ensures students are aware of accessible support, effectively addressing the growing mental health concerns among youth.
‘Schools may help address concerns by fostering an approachable image, and making sure that all faculty members achieve mental health literacy to treat matters carefully and mindfully’
Elizah Ruth T. Magliquian, BS Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management
Universities should train faculty and staff to recognize signs of mental distress, even when they’re subtle. Some students are good at hiding their struggles, making it crucial for staff to be observant and informed. Early recognition and response can lead to timely support and a more caring academic environment.
From left: Kyla Marie R. Uy, Katrina Isabel N. Santos, and Aliyah Azel L. Macatol
Kyla Marie R. Uy, AB Multimedia Arts
Mental health remains a challenge for students, often due to academic stress. Hence, schools must prioritize counseling and spreading awareness. During my stay at Benilde, the Well-Being Center excelled by proactively reaching out through emails, offering students support, and encouraging them to speak up.
Katrina Isabel N. Santos, AB Multimedia Arts
To truly address mental health concerns, schools should create an environment where students are open to discuss such topics without the fear of being stigmatized. As such, I believe an institution’s willingness to address such issues would be the key to creating any lasting impact in supporting students.
Aliyah Azel L. Macatol, AB Multimedia Arts
One way I take care of my mental health is having a “buffer day” where I regroup myself to prepare for daunting tasks such as finals. Having a buffer day helps me to procrastinate less, and lets me create a plan on how to allocate my time and manage my tasks accordingly.
Feliza Beatrice O. Zaragoza (left), Angeline A. Mapanao
Feliza Beatrice O. Zaragoza, AB Animation
Students sometimes conceal their mental troubles from their parents. Hence, schools can establish a mentoring system that involves refining the parent-teacher relationship. Witnessing their students’ behavior first-hand, teachers can discuss concerns with the parents that pupils are afraid to confide, granting them a chance to be heard and acknowledged.
Angeline A. Mapanao, BS Architecture
Schools must create an environment where students are valued and respected, and bullying, discrimination, public shaming, and favoritism are not tolerated. This includes teaching coping strategies, building resilience, and encouraging peer support. Additionally, supporting educators’ well-being through stress management training and clear workplace expectations is essential for a positive school climate.
