SURVEY
QUARTER TO DEATH IN-DEPTH NEWS
From silent mental health problems to blarring noises of student suicides
Are you in favor of the proposed separation of Mindanao from Luzon and Visayas?
32% 65%
NOT IN FAVOR 65% of Filipinos opposes the call for Mindanao Secession due to the point of inevitable struggle on stabilization of their own constitution, boundaries, anthems, flag, economy, and international relations. 32% agrees and points out the cultural and economical capacity of Mindanao to be independent. The remaining 3% refused to share their viewpoint.
BY GLEN ISRAEL M. GAURAN
B
ehind the vibrant facade of lively campuses and youthful aspirations lies a vexing trend that demands immediate attention. With each tragic loss, the urgency intensifies, prodding the issue of mental health and academic pressures into the forefront of national discourse. As families mourn and communities struggle with disbelief, a collective call to action resonates, urging rapid and decisive measures to confront this escalating crisis. Recent years have witnessed a troubling rise in student suicides, casting a somber shadow over the pursuit of education. Beyond the tangible pressures of exams and deadlines, an intricate link of societal expectations, familial dynamics, and personal struggles often exacerbates the mental health challenges faced by Filipino students. WHO underscored that student suicide is identified as the 4th leading cause of death among individuals, 15 to 29 years old. The government strived to resolve this issue. However, UNICEF pointed out the irrationality between the number of guidance counselors in comparison with the amount of students they each need to concentrate to. It is truly alarming that suicide attempts inclined drastically from being 3% back in 2013 to 7.5% in 2022, representing an increase of 150% in the rate of suicide attempts in the Philippines. Despite of the issue of mental health as gravely concerning since it triggers the drive to commit suicide, cultural attitudes towards mental health perpetuated silence and stigma, hindering open discourse and access to crucial resources. In a society where seeking help for psychological distress is sometimes viewed as a sign of weakness, students may hesitate to reach out for support, further exacerbating their struggles. a study conducted by Alibudbud and Martinez et. al. said that most students developed a stigma towards mental health, perceiving it as a personal weakness that may contribute to loss of character, embarrassment, and disgrace. This is the reason why students resort to taking their own lives in silence. WHO also detailed that 20% of Filipino students considered committing suicide. The number, though relatively small, represents about five million young individuals driven to the same corner of hopelessness. Amidst the government’s expedition to find answers, WHO and UNICEF plunged into potential pathways to safeguard the well-being of the Philippines’ future leaders. follow on page 03....
THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH PUBLICATION OF SAN TEODORO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SAN TEODORO | DIVISION OF ORIENTAL MINDORO VOL. VI | ISSUE NO. I | AUGUST 2023 - MARCH 2024
03 NEWS
LGBTQIA+ students call for more inclusive school community Jennifer De Guzman (not her real name) was walking on the pathways of her new school to spend her grade 10 year. It was her first day as a transferee after leaving her former school when the latter didn’t allow her to wear the type of uniform she would like to wear as a lesbian.
11 FEATURE
Whispers of love: The Captivating Romance of Aras Falls Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Aras, where the gentle melody of MNN Waterfalls whispered secrets of love, destiny weaved its enchanting spell.
19 SPORTS
STNHS Takraw Warriors retain sepak throne against NMA With an impressive display of dominance, San Teodoro National High School’s Takraw Boys Warriors defended their throne and unleashed a gold triumph against Northern Mindoro Academy during the District Meet held at the STNHS’ gymnasium, December 1.