Stories from friends across the 16 Philippine Science High School (PSHS or Pisay) campuses have compelled me to write this under the gravest of circumstances.
I appeal to the PSHS administration, as a concerned alumnus and a psychology student, to pay more attention to the mental health of its students and take concrete steps in addressing this issue hounding our institution. More than seminars and talks, there is an urgent need to strengthen PSHS’ guidance program and reorient it in such a manner that it becomes proactive instead of reactive.
I would also like to emphasize the urgent need for a system-wide study to assess the mental health status of PSHS students, which then can be used as the basis for crafting an evidence-based program that’s appropriate and responsive to their needs.
But before everything, we must first acknowledge that there is a problem—before it’s once again too late.
NICOLAS CZAR ANTONIO, ncbantonio@gmail.com