Mental health is a pressing concern at educational institutions. Students face pressure, burnout, and even depression due to the overwhelming weight of deadlines, with many resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms because of low grades.
While assistance and counseling are available, mental health continues to be a worldwide concern, indicating that schools may need to do more.
Let’s hear from the latest Summa Cum Laude graduates of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on how schools can best address the mental health of students.
Jonas Fabian G. Roque
BS-Real Estate Management
Schools can address mental health by reducing the stigma around ‘guidance offices,’ shifting 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 addressing students’ mental health. From providing accessible help to fostering safe and inclusive spaces, and implementing compassionate teaching methods—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 students’ concerns, and be more sensitive and mindful of 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.
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 ensuring that all faculty members achieve mental health literacy to treat matters carefully and mindfully. Hopefully, schools can create a safe space for students with 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, fostering 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 growing mental health concerns.
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.
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 time 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 can discuss such topics without the fear of being stigmatized. I believe an institution’s willingness to address such issues is key to making a lasting impact in supporting students.
Aliyah Azel L. Macatol
AB-Multimedia Arts
One way I take care of my mental health is by having a “buffer day,” where I regroup myself to prepare for daunting tasks like finals. A buffer day helps me procrastinate less, allowing me to create a plan for managing my tasks and allocating time accordingly.
Feliza Beatrice O. Zaragoza
AB-Animation
Students sometimes conceal their mental troubles from their parents. Schools can establish a mentoring system that strengthens the parent-teacher relationship. Teachers, observing students’ behaviors firsthand, can address concerns with parents, helping students 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.
