Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City Campus

“The Impact of Mental Health Awareness Among College Students”

1st Semester, AY 2024 – 2025

Term Paper

Understanding the Self

GEED 001

Submitted by:

Jamaika B. Padilla

BSBA MM 1-1

Submitted to:

Mrs. Analou Ocera

 Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City Campus

ABSTRACT
This Study examines the significance of mental health awareness among college students in promoting a
healthier learning environment and improving their personal lives. The research investigates how mental health
awareness campaigns can empower students to manage stress effectively, seek help when needed, and develop a
more positive outlook on their academic and personal well-being. The Study reveals that educating college
students about mental health concerns and available resources can significantly enhance their capacity to cope
with stress, leading to improved academic performance, better relationships, and a more fulfilling college
experience. The findings of this Study underscore the importance of prioritizing mental health awareness in higher
education institutions, highlighting the need for a supportive environment that fosters students' overall well-being.

Keywords: Mental health, Mental health awareness, College students, Psychoeducation, Stigma reduction.
 Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City Campus

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Teaching college students about mental health concerns and the resources that are accessible to them, as
well as mental health awareness campaigns, have greatly enhanced their capacity for handling stress and asking
for help, developing a healthier learning environment, and improving their personal lives.

Mental health has taken more impact on the lives of college students. Mental health issues can have a
wide-ranging influence on students' lives, lowering their quality of life, academic accomplishment, physical
health, and contentment with the college experience, as well as negatively affecting relationships with friends and
family members. These issues can also long-term impact students' health, future employment prospects, and
earning capacity. According to Shim Y. (2022), mental diseases are common, and despite the availability of
treatments, many people in the United States who suffer from mental illnesses remain untreated or poorly treated.
Nearly two-thirds of people with mental illness worldwide do not receive medical treatment from specialists. As
a result, many persons with mental illnesses stay undiagnosed or receive poor treatment. Researchers are
increasingly highlighting the need for mental health awareness since many college students struggle with mental
health difficulties, which have an impact on their lives and academic performance.

EFFECTS OF MENTAL HEALTH TO STUDENT

Mental well-being gives people a sense of self-worth, control, and comprehension of how their bodies and
minds work. According to The Society for Health Education and Promotion Specialists (quoted in Bhugra et al.,
2013), mental health also involves feeling happy, joyful, loving, and having a positive view of oneself and others.
Bhugra et al. (2013) cite the Health Education Authority report stating that mental health includes internal and
external factors. Internal factors include low self-esteem, a lack of emotional resilience, a sense of helplessness
and imprisonment, isolation, and poor integration. External factors include stigma, cultural conflict, poor
autonomy, discrimination or abuse, and poor social conditions (housing, poverty, unemployment). Additionally,
a person in good mental health has a strong sense of self and others, can build healthy relationships, and is at ease
in their company.

Additionally, according to the Mental Health Foundation (quoted in Bhugra et al., 2013), mental health is how
people view and feel about their lives and how it influences how they handle and cope with hardship. Lastly,
mental health impacts a person's capacity to function, take advantage of opportunities, and engage fully with their
peers, family, community, and workplace. Mental health cannot be defined; all of the ideas stated above contribute
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POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City Campus

to and demonstrate the complexity of this topic. After discussing the definition of mental health, the following
terms will be discussed: depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

According to the American Psychiatric Association (2017), depression is a prevalent and severe medical
condition that has a detrimental impact on a person's feelings, thoughts, and behavior. In addition to causing
sadness and/or a loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, depression can result in several emotional and physical
issues that impair a person's capacity to function both at work and at home. The symptoms of depression can
range from minor to severe. Some of the symptoms include changes in appetite, sleeping problems, feelings of
worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions, and severe symptoms such as
thoughts of committing suicide.

Stanard and Hanie (2009). Stated that anxiety is characterized as a subjective feeling of worry, fear, or
distress that can manifest as emotional symptoms like nervousness or fear as well as physical symptoms like
headaches or nausea. Anxiety disorders can range from phobias, which are triggered by a particular thing or event,
to generalized anxiety disorder, which is triggered by a wide range of situations. The National Institute of Mental
Health (n.d.) states that people with generalized anxiety disorder typically exhibit excessive worry or anxiety for
six months or more. This worry or anxiety may be brought on by one's job, social interactions, personal health,
or ordinary life situations. However, this uncontrollable and ongoing fear and anxiety can lead to serious issues
in some aspects of their lives, such as social interactions at work and school.

This disorder is characterized by a number of symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, difficulty

controlling feelings of worry, difficulty sleeping, being easily fatigued, feeling restless, wound up, or on edge
(National Institute of Mental Health, n.d.). Anxious students may also struggle mightily to maintain their
composure in class, but they collapse at home. Anxiety is characterized by physical symptoms and may coexist
with other mental health conditions, such as depression. According to Nationwide Children's Hospital (2019).
The developmental disorder known as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by
delays in a person's ability to regulate or control their behavior, emotions, and attention. A child's ability to
function at school, at home, or with friends may be impacted by the symptoms of ADHD. Among the signs of
ADHD are heightened feelings of despair, melancholy, or burdensomeness toward others, as well as a heightened
susceptibility to depression and suicidal thoughts or actions, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, and sadness
or the sense of burdening others.
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POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City Campus

INTRODUCING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

It is vital to increase mental health awareness and identify students who might be at risk for mental health
issues. Mental health awareness campaigns in higher education institutions have raised awareness of mental
health issues and successfully changed student attitudes toward mental health. Preventing mental health issues
and increasing awareness can encourage people to get help when they need it and normalize asking for it.
Only 25% of students were aware of student services, and nearly half of respondents in a prior Study on a
university campus were unsure of where to turn in the event of a mental health crisis. Raising awareness can be
an excellent strategy to lessen the stigma associated with mental illness.

Most universities promote mental health education by holding Mental Health Awareness Week each year.
Segal showed that a lack of mental health education and stigma causes underutilization of mental health services.
Campus mental health awareness campaigns should focus on lowering stigma and increasing knowledge of
available mental health services. Research has indicated that the stigma surrounding mental illness and the
unconsciousness that goes along with it can hinder college students' actions when they seek assistance. According
to Kessler, there are correlations between mental health, a lower social status, and perceived discrimination.

According to Corrigan, people who conceal their experiences with mental health suffer from internal
shame and fear of "societal scorn." In addition, society is plagued by misconceptions and anxieties stemming
from stigma and myth. Corrigan maintained that in order to combat the systemic stigma and advance mental
health care, it is imperative that the public's perception of mental health change. Additionally, fewer people are
seeking help because of the inaccurate portrayal of people with mental illness in the media. In order to alter public
perception and lessen stigma, more truthful portrayals in the media are essential. Additionally, research shows
that many adults did not trust mental health treatment and felt ashamed about mental illness.

Researchers have repeatedly shown that stigma is a significant deterrent to getting mental health care.
Those who see mental health as a stigmatized experience may be afraid of discrimination because they believe
society has a negative attitude toward mental illness. People are less likely to seek help for their mental health
needs if they feel that seeking mental health treatment is stigmatized. Since many mental illnesses first manifest
during college, lowering the barriers to help-seeking is crucial for college students. One of the main objectives of
mental health education is to lessen the stigma around mental illness and the use of mental health services.
 Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City Campus

Segal added that the underutilization of mental health services is a result of both stigma and a lack of
knowledge. Perceived stigma is the biggest obstacle to getting mental health help, according to Gulliver's analysis
of perceived barriers and intermediaries. Research indicates that greater understanding and awareness of mental
illness, along with a decrease in stigma, encourages early mental illness detection, enhances mental health
outcomes, and improves mental health services.

According to a different Study, male college students' mental health literacy improves when they learn
more about mental health. Numerous studies demonstrate that promoting mental health requires an awareness of
and understanding of mental illness. Sharp discovered that students' perceptions of mental illness and attitudes
toward obtaining psychological assistance significantly improved after receiving mental health education.
According to other researchers, understanding mental illness is essential for boosting help-seeking and altering
perceptions of people who suffer from mental illnesses. Furthermore, Rickwood demonstrated that mental health
education had a moderate effect on lowering stigma and enhancing attitudes toward those who suffer from mental
illness but a significant impact on expanding knowledge.

RESULT
These findings imply that the mental health education program is a viable strategy to lessen the stigma
associated with mental illness and enhance attitudes toward seeking help. Raising awareness, reducing stigma,
and educating college campuses can boost the use of psychological services and enhance students' positive
perceptions of mental health. The goals of this Study are to raise awareness of mental health issues, lessen the
stigma attached to mental illness, and develop educational and supportive programs for students who face mental
health challenges.

The current Study emphasizes how mental health education raises mental health awareness and reduces
the stigma attached to psychological disorders. More research and applications in the development of different
mental health education fields are made possible by using specialized mental health education, such as abnormal
psychology. Our research may contribute to the current mental health campaign and mental health education
strategies. Knowledge and awareness of mental health issues have increased as a result of more opportunities for
mental health education on college campuses.
The Study suggests that mental health education is one effective strategy for increasing knowledge and awareness
about mental health. Students were able to learn about and comprehend the problems associated with mental
illness by receiving mental health education and training. Enough mental health education is desperately needed
on college campuses. According to this Study, universities should promote students' mental health and discuss the
 Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City Campus

advantages of mental health education. College campuses should consider providing students with accessible
mental health programs and education. On the college campus, more research must be done on creating and
executing a specialized education program for students studying mental health.

This Study has several implications for mental health research. According to the findings, college
campuses should consider including education in their mental health campaigns. Second, the mental health
education program needs to incorporate psychological education programs and interventions using a variety of
approaches. Third, colleges may think about how programs evolve to support students' mental health, given that
intervention influences shifting attitudes and knowledge about mental health. The findings support future research
and implementation of mental health programs and education on college campuses. Lastly, we recommend that
future research be done on mental health training and education options for college students.

DISCUSSION
This Study promotes mental health awareness and help-seeking behavior on college campuses through
mental health education. The Study aimed to determine methods for raising students' awareness and
comprehension of mental health to support students in need on college campuses. Additionally, this Study aims
to show the value and importance of mental health resources, like education, as a successful way to raise student
awareness and reduce perceived stigma. Finally, the researcher looked at the Relationship between changes in the
stigma and awareness of mental illness and mental health education.

This Study investigated the demographic relationships between stigma and mental health awareness.
Ethnicity, family history, educational major and part-time status, gender, age, and other demographic
characteristics were found to have an impact on the degree of stigma and awareness surrounding mental health.
After completing the Abnormal Psychology course, Asian and Hispanic students' BTMI scores, for instance,
showed a significant improvement in their awareness and belief about mental health. In addition, students who
had prior experience with mental health issues demonstrated more excellent knowledge and less stigma associated
with mental illness following the training. Furthermore, after enrolling in an Abnormal Psychology course, the
Study found that female students had a less stigmatizing attitude and increased awareness. Limited findings were
found in the current Study about the awareness and attitude of ethnic minorities. A more thorough investigation
is required to examine the program's advantages, ethnic differences, and mental health education for ethnic
minorities.
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POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City Campus

The current sample might not be representative of all college students. The Study was limited by the fact
that we only included students who were enrolled in the Abnormal Psychology course. Students majoring in
criminal justice, psychology, or nursing frequently select this course. The use of students who took the Abnormal
Psychology course would have restricted the generalizability of our research. In addition to educating students in
all majors and degree programs, future research on mental health education should investigate additional
opportunities and potential interventions to increase awareness and lessen stigmata attitudes.

Despite the research limitations, it is a groundbreaking Study that shows how vital the Abnormal
Psychology course is for raising awareness and lowering stigma around mental health. According to the current
Study, mental health education raises mental health awareness and reduces the stigma attached to psychological
disorders. Using specialized mental health education, like abnormal psychology, allows for more Study and
applications in developing different mental health education domains. Additionally, our research may complement
current mental health campaigns and education strategies. College campuses now offer more opportunities for
mental health education, which has increased awareness and knowledge of mental health issues. There was also
less stigma associated with mental health problems among students studying abnormal psychology.
 Republic of the Philippines

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City Campus

References

Article

Roque-Franco, K. (2020). Consequences of student mental health issues in schools. Digital Commons
https://digitalcommons.csumb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1850&context=caps_thes_all

Mental health education, awareness and stigma regarding mental illness among college students.

(2022). https://www.mentalhealthjournal.org/articles/mental-health-education-awareness-and-stigma-

regardingmental-illness-among-college-students.html

Consequences of Student Mental Health Issues – Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (n.d.).

https://sprc.org/settings/colleges-and-universities/consequences-of-student-mental-health-issues/

Book

American Psychiatric Association. (2017). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th
ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Bhugra, D., Bhui, K., & Bhugra, P. (2013). Mental health: A global perspective. Oxford University
Press.

Hanie, M. M., & Stanard, R. (2009). Anxiety and depression in children and adolescents: Practical
considerations. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 22(2), 109-120.

Mental Health Foundation. (as cited in Bhugra et al., 2013).

Nationwide Children’s Hospital. (2019). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).