In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Unilab Foundation recently held a media briefing to address the state of mental health in the Philippines. Guest speaker Dr. Sheila Marie “Shake” Hocson, a former president of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association, underscored the critical shortage of mental health professionals in the country.
With only one psychiatrist potentially serving 100,000 people, serious concerns arise about the well-being of both the public and the professionals themselves.
Dr. Hocson discussed the risk of burnout for mental health professionals, noting that the pressure on psychiatrists, counselors, and psychologists is significant.
“If someone is overworked or doing more than they can handle, they are at risk of burnout,” she explained. Even those within the mental health field seek support, she added, stating that she knows several psychiatrists who undergo counseling, too.
Sharing a personal story, Dr. Hocson recounted how a colleague had to miss a meeting to attend a session with their own psychologist.
“It takes humility to ask for help, whether from a professional, a spiritual director, a mentor, or another mental health professional,” she noted.
Dr. Hocson also pointed out the importance of setting clear professional boundaries, explaining that she could not counsel her own family members.
“As a psychologist and counselor, I can’t counsel my own children or husband—at most, we can have informal conversations,” she said. “Boundaries like these are crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of therapy.”
In addition, she emphasized the importance of seeking mentors who not only excel in their field but also exhibit strong values. This, she believes, is key for professionals who are trying to maintain their own mental health while helping others.
“Submitting ourselves to the guidance of other professionals ensures that we, too, can remain mentally well and continue serving others effectively,” she said.
Rising mental health concerns among Filipino youth
The media briefing also highlighted the mental health crisis among Filipino youth, pointing to an alarming increase in suicide cases.
According to the Department of Education (DepEd), during the 2021-2022 academic year, there were 404 suicides and 2,147 attempted suicides among public school students. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 globally.
The situation among young Filipinos has worsened over time. In 2013, about 574,000 youth attempted suicide, and by 2021, that number had grown to nearly 1.5 million. Various factors contribute to this, including the impact of the pandemic, poverty, bullying, internet addiction, academic pressure, and the effects of climate change.
Unilab Foundation, in collaboration with government agencies like DepEd and the Department of Health, has launched the Heads Up PH program to address mental health needs in schools and colleges. The program focuses on providing mental health support to students across the country.
Mental health initiative
Heads Up PH is designed to offer mental health and well-being programs for students, based on the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Framework and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
The program aims to help address the shortage of mental health professionals, especially guidance counselors in public schools. Currently, there is only one guidance counselor for every 25,000 students, according to Dr. Hocson.
Stigma remains a significant obstacle to getting help, with many students choosing not to discuss their mental health struggles with family members. The 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute found that 62 percent of young people who had suicidal thoughts did not seek help from anyone, and only 2 percent who attempted suicide reached out to professionals.
Empowering School Personnel
Heads Up PH aims to equip teachers and school personnel with tools to identify and respond to mental health issues in students. The program includes the Race Against Suicide Toolkit, which provides guidance on early detection, intervention, and referral systems. According to Marie Joan Urieta, program director at Unilab Foundation, the goal is to address mental health challenges as soon as possible.
“We aim to close the gaps with a strategic approach as soon as tendencies or risks are detected,” she explained.
The program also provides suicide prevention training for guidance counselors, teachers, and school administrators. Dr. Hocson noted that a lack of mental health literacy and assessment tools are major barriers to addressing these issues.
In partnership with DepEd, the Unilab Foundation is also implementing the Child and Adolescent Risk Screener (CARS), a universal screener for gathering data on youth mental health. This information will help shape evidence-based policies to improve mental health support for students.
Addressing mental health in schools
The Heads Up PH program has trained over 200 trainers and 5,084 gatekeepers across 17 regions in the Philippines. The initiative has gained recognition for its efforts, earning accolades such as the 2023 Galing Pook Award and the 2024 CSR Guild Award.
By focusing on mental health awareness and support, Heads Up PH aims to build healthier school communities. With more comprehensive mental health programs in place, the initiative seeks to address the growing crisis among Filipino youth and create environments where mental well-being is prioritized.
