This document discusses mental health and coping with mental health issues for teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It defines mental health and psychosocial support, and discusses how the Mental Health Law in the Philippines mandates integrating mental health programs in schools. Common mental health issues for teachers like depression and anxiety are addressed, along with self-care strategies and accessing support. Core principles of promoting human rights and participatory approaches are emphasized.

1. MENTAL HEALTH AND
COPING WITH MENTAL
HEALTH ISSUE DURING A
COVID-19 PANDEMIC FOR
TEACHERS
by: Ramona D. Marcellana, RN, MAN

2. GLOBAL DEFINITIONS
 The composite term “mental health and
psychosocial support / MHPSS is used in the
Inter-agency Standing Committee (IASC)
guidelines for MHPSS in emergency setting
to describe ‘any type of local or outside
support that aims to protect or promote
psychosocial well being and / or prevent or
treat mental health condition

3. RA 11036 (Mental Health Law)
 Reinforce the integration of mental health in school health programs OK sa DEPED
programs.
 Anchor’s on DEPED mandate under RA 11036 (Mental Health Law)
 Mental Health Promotion/ raising awareness on mental health issue.
 Identification and provision of support and services of individual at risk
 Facilitating access including referrals mechanism of individual with mental health
condition to treatment and psychosocial support.

4. Strenthen effective leadership and governance for mental health by,
among others, formulating, developing, and implementing national policies,
strategies, programs, and regulations relating to mental health.
. Develop and establish a comprehensive, integrated, effective, and
efficient national mental health care system responsive to the psychiatric,
neurologic, and psychological needs of the Filipino people.
Protect the rights and freedoms of persons with psychiatric, neurologic,
and psychological health needs.
Strenghten information systems, evidence and research for mental health.
Integrate mental health care in the basic health services.
Integrate strategies promoting mental health in educational institutions,
workplace, and in communities.

5. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
Program
Designed to prepare school health personnel with the knowledge and skills to
conduct psychosocial interventions as well as train other school personnel on crisis
management especially in war-torn and calamity-stricken areas. It includes
interventions that assist children and families to cope with such circumstances.

6. Based on Republic Act No. 11036 (Mental
Health Act):
• Integrating age-appropriate content pertaining to mental health into the
curriculum from Kinder to Grade 12
• Developing guidelines and standards on age-appropriate and evidence-based
mental health subprograms, projects, and activities in all elementary and
secondary schools
• Pursuing strategies that promote the realization of mental health and well-being
in all levels of governance of the Department and in all schools
• Ensuring that mental health promotion in all schools shall be adequately
complemented with qualified mental health professionals

7. CORE PRINCIPLES:
 DO NO HARM
 Promote human rights and equality.
 Use participatory approaches build on existing
resources and capacities.
 Adapt multi-layered interventions.
 Work with integrated support systems.

8. Intervention pyramid for mental health and psychosocial
support
Specialized
services
Focused,
non
specialized
services
Community and
family support
Basic services and security
• Mental health care by mental health specialist
(psychiatric nurse, guidance counselor, psychologist and
psychiatrist).
• Basic mental healthcare (PFA provider)..
• Basic emotional and practical support by community
workers.
• Activating social network. Supportive child friendly
spaces. Communal traditional support (teaching
personnel).
• Advocacy for basic services that are safe.
• Socially appropriate and protect dignity.

9. Coping up with Mental Health Issues
 Determining the best ways of sign posting delivering
mental health services for vulnerable groups including
online clinics and community support.
 Identify and evaluate outreach methods to support those
at risk of depression within home.
 Improve monitoring and reporting of the rates of anxiety,
depression, self harm, suicide and other mental health
issues.

10. Mental illness can occur when the
brain (or part of the brain) is NOT
WORKING WELL or is working the
wrong way

11. Most Common Causes of Depression in
Youth:
❖Self Esteem Problem
❖Lack of Coping Skills
❖ Loss of Loved Ones
❖ Peer Pressure
❖Influence of Social Media
 High family expectation

12. Respond in a supportive and loving
way and acknowledge their fears.
Give extra time and attention.
Establish routines.
Discuss any question they may
have.

13. EMPHASIZE ON
WHAT CAN BE
CONTROLLED.

14. UNPLUG FROM THE
CONSTANT NEWS
CYCLE
Take breaks from watching, reading or listening
to news stories including social media. Hearing
about the pandemic repeatedly can be
upsetting.

15. Get help when you need
it!
 Call or use social media to contact a close friend or loved one even
though it may be hard to talk about your feelings.
 Contract a minister or spiritual leader or someone in your faith
community.
 Call your employee assistance program, if your employer has one and
get counseling or ask for a referral to am mental health professional.
 Call your primary care provider or mental health professional to ask
about appointment options to talk about your anxiety.
 Contact mental health organization for help and guidance.
 If you are feeling suicidal or thinking of hurting yourself, seek help!

16. Self Care Strategies
 Take care of your mind and your body.
 Get enough sleep.
 Participate on regular physical activity.
 Eat healthy.
 Limit to exposure to news media.
 Focus on positive thoughts.
 Avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
 Relax and recharge.
 Use your moral compass and spiritual life for support.
 Do something for others/ Support family members or a friend.
 Continue your self-care strategies.

17. THANK YOU! 
KEEP SAFE AND STAY MENTALLY
HEALTHY!
GOD BLESS US ALL!..