Heads Up PH: Paving the way for mentally healthy, resilient youth

The teenage years — although exciting with plenty of freedom to explore new things –can be one of the most challenging times in life. It isn’t always a walk in the park as it comes with its own set of struggles and growing pains. And for many young Filipinos, these challenges, especially concerning mental health, have become increasingly pronounced.

Data from the Department of Education (DepEd) for the 2021-2022 academic year highlights the severity of the problem: there were 404 recorded student suicides and over 2,100 suicide attempts. 

Meanwhile, the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study by the University of the Philippines Population Institute found that 62 percent of young Filipinos who thought about suicide did not reach out for help, and only 2 percent of those who attempted suicide sought professional support. These alarming statistics show a critical need for mental health prevention and intervention programs, especially among young people.

Responding to this growing concern, Unilab Foundation ramped up the implementation of Heads Up PH, a mental health and well-being program aimed at supporting Filipino youth. The initiative, part of Unilab Foundation’s broader mission of building healthier communities, aims to create a nurturing environment where students can receive the mental health support they need.

The Children and Adolescents Risk Screener (CARS) authors and lead trainers. From left to right: Sheila Marie Hocson, PhD, RPsy, RGC, RPm, LPT, Project Consultant for CARS; Violeta C. Valladolid, PhD., RPsy, RPm, Co-author for CARS Carmelo Callueng, PhD., NCSP, Lead Author for CARS, Maryfe M. Roxas, PhD., RGC, Co-author for CARS

Partnering with key stakeholders such as DepEd, the Department of Health, the Commission on Higher Education, and mental health professionals, Heads Up PH developed a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to tackling mental health issues in schools across the country.

Breaking the Stigma 

Primarily, Heads Up PH seeks to break the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues. Many young Filipinos hesitate to seek help because mental health concerns are still misunderstood in many communities. Thus, its program promotes open conversations about mental health in schools and communities, encouraging students to seek help without fear of judgment.

Dr. Sheila Marie G. Hocson, a leading mental health advocate and one of the program’s key leaders, emphasized the importance of shifting perspectives on mental health and well-being. 

Dr. Sheila Marie Hocson, Principal Resource Person for Heads Up PH, underscored the importance of a whole-of-society approach in solving mental health gaps in the Philippines.

“Our youth face increasing mental health challenges today. With Heads Up PH, we are working hand in hand with educators, health professionals, and government agencies to build a culture of support and understanding, ensuring that our students can thrive not just academically, but emotionally and mentally as well,” she said.

Tools for Intervention

One of the key ways Heads Up PH empowers schools is through the Race Against Suicide program. It equips educators with tools to recognize early signs of mental health struggles among students. Given the shortage of local mental health professionals—with only one guidance counselor for every 25,000 students in public schools—it plays a crucial role in bridging the gap.

School personnel present simulation exercises during the plenary session of the RACE Against Suicide training for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) last September in Iloilo City.

The Race Against Suicide program provides practical guidance on early detection, intervention, and referral systems, helping teachers identify students at risk and connect them with appropriate support services. Timely intervention is key in preventing mental health crises from worsening, and the toolkit ensures that educators have the tools to make a difference.

Another essential part of the program is the promotion of the Child and Adolescent Risk Screener, a universal mental health screening tool implemented in public schools. 

By gathering data on the mental health status of students, schools can develop targeted policies and interventions to address the mental health needs of their students. This evidence-based approach helps ensure that support services are available and accessible to those who need them most.

Building Resilient Communities

Beyond schools, Heads Up PH engages parents and communities in promoting mental health literacy. Workshops and outreach programs ensure that mental health support extends beyond the classroom, fostering a culture of understanding and care at home and in the wider community.

Dr. Carmelo Callueng, lead author for the Children and Adolescents Risk Screener (CARS), gives inputs to participants in the planning session during the Training on Mental Health Assessment in partnership with the Department of Education Bureau of Learners Support Services-School Health Division (BLSS-SHD).

The program calls on individuals, schools, and communities to join the movement toward promoting mental health and well-being nationwide. Through its holistic, multidisciplinary, multisectoral, and multi-tiered approaches, Heads Up PH ensures that students from all walks of life have access to the mental health support they need to succeed—both academically and personally.

Heads Up PH is more than just a program; it’s a movement dedicated to creating a future where mental health is prioritized and supported at every level of society. As more schools and communities join the initiative, the hope is to foster a nation that nurtures mental health, breaking the stigma and barriers that have long kept many from seeking the help they need.

By working together with partners in the schools and communities, the Unilab Foundation, through Heads Up PH, is hoping to shape a brighter, healthier tomorrow for the Filipino youth—one that values mental health as a cornerstone of a resilient and thriving nation.

ADVT.

This article is brought to you by Unilab, Inc.