Concern for the mental health of Filipino youth is growing as data reveals an alarming rise in suicide attempts and incidents. The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that in the 2021 to 2022 academic year, 404 public school students died by suicide, with 2,147 attempts. Since 2013, three percent of Filipino youths tried to end their lives. By 2021, that number rose to 7.5 percent, or nearly 1.5 million. Globally, suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds (WHO, 2024).
Recognizing the urgent need to address this crisis, Unilab Foundation partnered with government stakeholders like DepEd, the Department of Health and the Commission on Higher Education, alongside mental health professionals, to launch Heads Up PH, a mental health initiative in schools and colleges nationwide.
The Race Against Suicide Toolkit serves as a resource for suicide prevention in schools. PHOTOS FROM HEADS UP PH
Heads Up PH aims to improve the mental health of young Filipinos through holistic programs based on the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Framework and the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
Gaps in the system
Dr. Sheila Marie Hocson, former president of the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association and the principal resource person for Heads Up PH, identified several factors contributing to the rise in youth mental health concerns. These include challenges from the pandemic, poverty, bullying, internet addiction, academic stress and even climate-related issues like heat in classrooms and flooding in communities.
Unfortunately, the public school system has only one guidance counselor for every 25,000 students. There is also a shortage of psychologists, psychiatrists and developmental pediatricians, making it difficult for students to get the help they need. Private mental health services, while available, are often expensive.
Child and Adolescent Risk Screener (CARS) is a tool that gathers data on youth mental health, helping inform evidence-based policies and priorities.
On the other hand, the stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier that prevents students from seeking help. Many prefer confiding in peers rather than approaching family or professionals. In fact, a 2021 research titled “Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study” done by the University of the Philippines Population Institute revealed that 62 percent of youths who contemplated suicide did not reach out for help, and only two percent of those who attempted suicide consulted a professional.
“Undiagnosed mental health conditions prevent access to necessary programs,” Hocson emphasized.
Empowering early responders
Heads Up PH is addressing the shortage of mental health professionals by empowering teachers and school staff to recognize and respond to students’ mental health challenges. They are doing this through the Race Against Suicide Toolkit, which serves as a resource for suicide prevention in schools.
Piloted in various schools nationwide, the toolkit addresses gaps due to the limited number of mental health professionals and disruptions in service delivery.
Marie Joan Urieta, Program and Strategic Support Director at Unilab Foundation explained that the toolkit focuses on early detection, timely intervention, and a comprehensive referral system.
“We aim to close the loop with a strategic approach, including access to mental health professionals. Once risks are detected, appropriate interventions are immediately in place,” Urieta said.
Through the Unilab Foundation, Heads Up PH offers suicide prevention training to guidance counselors, teachers, administrators, and other school staff, equipping them with tools to assess and manage mental health situations.
“Many people are unaware of the signs of mental health concerns or lack the tools to assess them. In many schools, there are no policies for accommodating mental health needs, and mental health services are limited. Heads Up PH aims to address these gaps,” Hocson explained.
In addition to the Race Against Suicide Toolkit, Heads Up PH has introduced the Child and Adolescent Risk Screener (CARS) in public schools. This tool gathers data on youth mental health, helping inform evidence-based policies and priorities.
Future-ready citizens
The Heads Up PH campaign has made significant strides. To date, more than 5,084 gatekeepers have been trained across 17 regions in collaboration with the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association, DepEd’s National Educators Academy of the Philippines, and private schools. The program has been recognized at the 2023 Galing Pook Awards and received the Best CSR in Health award at the 2024 CSR Guild Awards.
Unilab Foundation also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commission on Higher Education to train suicide prevention and awareness trainers in higher education institutions.
Through Heads Up PH, Unilab Foundation and its partners aim to build a strong, healthy, future-ready citizenry.
Practical tips
Hocson stressed the importance of raising awareness and educating oneself, family, and friends about mental health.
“It’s essential to develop mental health literacy, which includes understanding mental disorders and knowing how to recognize, manage, or prevent them,” Hocson said.
“If Filipinos have better mental health literacy, they’ll know when to seek help and have the courage to face their problems.” She emphasized the importance of setting a good example of online and offline wellbeing. “Social media is often toxic, with anger, hate, fake news, and oversharing contributing to emotional distress. This creates a negative atmosphere that exacerbates mental health problems,” Hocson added.
She encouraged people to volunteer with mental health organizations to improve mental health awareness, advocate for policy changes, and support and empower others.
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