KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Department of Education (DepEd) Koronadal City Division has taken a step further to address the mental health needs of learners, recognizing the importance of mental health awareness.
Dr. Omid Siahmard, medical officer of DepEd Koronadal, said their initiative involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses various aspects of mental health.
“We need to understand that our mind also controls our body. If we have problems with mental health like depression or anxiety, we will be dysfunctional,” he said.
One of the psychosocial modalities DepEd Koronadal began using earlier this year is the Home, Education, Activities/Alcohol, Diet/Drugs, Self-esteem/Sexuality, and Safety/Suicide (HEADSS) assessment model, an interview instrument guide to identify adolescent risk behaviors.
DepEd Koronadal first used the health assessment tool at Governor Sergio Morales National High School in Brgy. Paraiso in collaboration with the City Health Office and City Population Office.
“We work together with LGU Koronadal to launch our HEADSS assessment. This is a psychosocial screening tool we use to identify those with red flags or prone to mental health problems,” Siahmard explained.
According to Dr. Siahmard, based on their interviews with learners, familial issues account for the majority of emotional distress in pupils.
“Nakikita po natin kahit hindi natin sila nada-diagnose, maraming kabataan ang may emotional distress. Ang problema ay nanggagaling sa bahay, hindi sa paaralan. Lalo na po mga anak ng OFW at nakikitang nag-aaway o naghihiwalay ang mga magulang [We can see that even if we don’t diagnose them, many of the learners have emotional distress. The problem comes from the home, not the school. We observe this, especially among children of OFWs who see their parents fighting or separating],” the official said.
Aside from learners, Siahmard disclosed that there are also teachers suffering from mental health problems who sought help from their office.
“We are still collecting data for our teachers. Kasi madaming overworked sa teachers natin [Because many of our teachers are overworked]. Pero may two cases na tayo na narecord [But we have two recorded cases] presenting symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder,” he said.
Since March 2023, their office has already recorded at least four cases of suicide, Siahmard said.
“These are from public and private schools. There were also cases of bullying that caused emotional distress,” he added.
DepEd Koronadal also maintains an active referral system composed of mental health coordinators and guidance counselors in every school, in addition to the HEADSS screening tool, symposiums, and counseling, among other suicide prevention activities.
Siahmard emphasized the critical importance of mental health and the value of seeking support from friends and loved ones.
“Know when to seek help; surround yourself with good friends. Kasi social animals tayo [We are social animals], sometimes kasangga lang ang kailangan natin [We just need a partner for support],” he said. (ORVR edited by CTA, PIA South Cotabato)
