The Fisher Valley College, Inc.

#5 M. L. Quezon Ave., Taguig 1636, Metro Manila, Philippines

THE HIDDEN STRUGGLE: “MENTAL HEALTH

AND DROPOUT RATES”

Submitted by:
Balmes, Jhairus V.
Cruz, Liezel P.
Jabolin, Jackeilen G.
Mamang, Airra
Mutin, Araizah E.

Submitted to:
Doc. Carolyn R. Valenton
Date submitted: December 16, 2024
Introduction
According to existing literature on school dropout, the phenomenon is defined as a
student's inability to attend school due to individual and social factors, or complete
disengagement from education (Garrison, 1985, 1987). This case study investigates the
substantial impact of mental health on student academic success and persistence, emphasizing
the critical need for early intervention and holistic educational approaches that prioritize
student well-being. We will explore the correlation between mental health conditions (anxiety,
depression, and trauma) and academic performance, motivation, and dropout rates. While
academic challenges and socioeconomic factors are often cited as contributors to dropout, this
study aims to highlight the significant role of mental health. Specifically, we will analyze whether
students receiving mental health treatment exhibit higher first-year dropout rates compared to
their peers, and whether the impact of mental health on higher education dropout varies across
different student subgroups. According to mentalhealth.gov (2017), mental health significantly
influences daily life, affecting stress management, relationships, and decision-making. The
maintenance of mental well-being is theoretically linked to a stress-free life, and mental health
conditions influence behavior and reactions throughout one's lifespan.

Objectives
Identify the root causes of student mental health problems that affect dropout rates.

Analyze the patterns and traits of learners who quit school because of mental health issues.

Assess the efficiency of the resources and support services for mental health that are already
available at educational institutions.
Issue of the existing study (Problem, Cause and Solution)
The current state of "Student mental health and higher education dropout an analysis of
administrative data from Australia" focuses on student dropout rates and mental health issues.

Problem
The potentially explanation for why students end up in these situations is that the pressure,
workload, etc., is extremely difficult, especially for those students who have work to do after
studying.

Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may include symptoms that can
affect a person’s thinking, perceptions, mood or behavior. Mental illness can make it difficult for
someone to cope with work, relationships and other demands.

The relationship between stress and mental illness is complex, but it is known that stress can
worsen an episode of mental illness.

Mental illnesses, in general, are thought to be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental
factors:
Inherited traits - Mental illness is more common in people whose blood relatives also have a
mental illness. Certain genes may increase your risk of developing a mental illness, and your life
situation may trigger it.
Environmental exposures before birth - Exposure to environmental stressors, inflammatory
conditions, toxins, alcohol or drugs while in the womb can sometimes be linked to mental
illness.
Brain chemistry - Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to
other parts of your brain and body. When the neural networks involving these chemicals are
impaired, the function of nerve receptors and nerve systems change, leading to depression and
other emotional disorders.

Causes
The Department of Education (DepEd) acknowledges that while enrollment rates have
improved, the persistent dropout rates indicate significant internal challenges that need to be
addressed to ensure that every child has access to quality education.

Economic Hardship - Many families in the Philippines struggle to meet basic needs, which can
force children to prioritize work over education. Students from low-income households may feel
compelled to leave school to contribute financially, often taking on jobs that interfere with their
studies.
Academic Struggles - Students who face challenges in subjects such as math and reading often
experience a decline in motivation and self-esteem.
Family Dynamics - Factors such as parental separation, divorce, or an unhealthy home
environment can significantly affect a child’s ability to focus on their studies. Additionally,
children may need to take on caregiving responsibilities for younger siblings, further detracting
from their time and energy for school.

Solutions
It is understandable to feel scared, anxious or helpless during this unprecedented time. But
whatever situation you are in and wherever you are in the Pacific, you have the power to look
after your mental health and well-being. As we celebrate World Mental Health Day this 10
October, here are 6 things you can do to help you cope, not only with the COVID-19 pandemic,
but any event that may cause stress.

Talk to someone you trust

Talking to someone you trust – whether a friend, a family member, or a colleague – can help.
You may feel better if you are able to openly share what you are going through with someone
who cares about you.

Look after your physical health

Taking care of your physical health helps improve your mental health and well-being. Be active
for at least 30 minutes daily, whether that’s running, walking, yoga, dancing, cycling, or even
gardening. Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Make sure to get enough sleep.
Do activities that you enjoy
Try to continue doing the activities that you find meaningful and enjoyable, such as cooking for
yourself or your loved ones, playing with your pet, walking in the park, reading a book, or
watching a film or TV series. Having a regular routine with activities that make you feel happy
will help you maintain good mental health.

Connect with parents outside of school

Involve parents so they can help motivate their child. If you’re a teacher or faculty member,
make appointments with at-risk children for home visits with their parents. Or, host
parent-teacher conferences to make an initial connection.
Make connections with your at risk students
Build a relationship based on trust and honesty. Talk to your students about what they’re going
through and really listen to what they have to say. Be open and honest, but give them hope
about the future, too.
Involve students in extracurricular activities
Build a relationship based on trust and honesty. Talk to your students about what they’re going
through and really listen to what they have to say. Be open and honest, but give them hope
about the future, too.

Group Comment
This study discuss about everyday struggles of every student in Philippines that deals with
mental health that may lead to the increase of dropout rates of education in the Philippines. It
goes beyond traditional factors and offers valuable recommendations for institutions to better
these support students. While the study acknowledges the need of further research, it serves as
a strong foundation for understanding the complex interplay between mental health issues and
academic pressure outcomes. By conducting original research using data from Filipino students
and developing more detailed implementation strategies, we intend to further our knowledge
to study this case and provide possible solutions that can build upon this foundation and
contribute significantly to addressing this critical issue.

Conclusion
This case study reveals a critical link between mental health and higher education dropout
rates. Our analysis demonstrates that students receiving treatment for mental health
conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, experience significantly higher first-year
dropout rates compared to their peers. Furthermore, the data highlights the disproportionate
impact of mental health issues on specific student demographics, underscoring the need for
targeted interventions. The findings strongly advocate for a paradigm shift in higher education,
prioritizing early intervention strategies, readily accessible mental health support, and a more
holistic pedagogical approach that actively addresses the emotional and psychological
well-being of students. Addressing mental health concerns is not merely a matter of student
welfare; it is essential for improving student retention, academic success, and the overall
success of higher education institutions. Future research should focus on developing and
evaluating effective interventions tailored to specific student populations and exploring the
long-term impact of mental health support on academic persistence and overall well-being.

Recommendations
To enhance student mental health and reduce dropout rates in higher education, institutions
should consider the following recommendations:
Implement Comprehensive Programs: Develop a range of mental health initiatives, including
counseling, peer support, and wellness workshops to address diverse student needs .
Promote Awareness: Increase awareness of available mental health resources and reduce
stigma through campaigns and training for staff and faculty.
Foster Community: Create opportunities for students to connect through shared interests,
promoting a sense of belonging on campus
 Utilize Technology: Incorporate online mental health tools and teletherapy options to expand
access to support services
Encourage Healthy Habits: Promote lifestyle choices such as proper nutrition, exercise, and
sleep to bolster overall well-being

Evaluation
This case study explores the impact of mental health on student academic success and dropout
rates in higher education, focusing on the Philippines. The study effectively highlights the
significant role of mental health in student success, going beyond traditional explanations like
academic challenges and socioeconomic factors.

The study provides a good overview of the issue, including definitions, contributing factors, and
potential solutions. The study also offers practical and actionable recommendations for
institutions to address mental health concerns and reduce dropout rates, focusing on initiatives
like comprehensive programs, awareness campaigns, and fostering community.

However, the study lacks a robust data analysis component. It relies heavily on existing
literature and anecdotal evidence, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the
relationship between mental health and dropout rates in the Philippines.
While the study mentions the Philippines, it doesn't delve into the specific challenges and
nuances of mental health in the Filipino context. This limits the study's relevance to the local
situation. The study oversimplifies the causes of mental health issues, attributing them primarily
to genetic and environmental factors. It doesn't adequately address the complex interplay of
social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to mental health challenges.
While the study offers recommendations, it doesn't delve into specific strategies for
implementing these recommendations or evaluating their effectiveness.

The study should conduct its own research, using data from Filipino students, to provide a more
robust analysis of the relationship between mental health and dropout rates.
The study should explore the specific challenges and nuances of mental health in the
Philippines, considering cultural factors, access to resources, and stigma surrounding mental
health issues.

The study should provide a more nuanced understanding of the causes of mental health issues,
acknowledging the complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors.
The study should provide more detailed strategies for implementing the recommendations,
including specific interventions, programs, and evaluation methods.

This case study raises important questions about the impact of mental health on student
success in the Philippines. However, its lack of empirical data and specific focus on the Filipino
context limits its overall effectiveness. By conducting more rigorous research and tailoring its
recommendations to the local context, the study can provide a more valuable contribution to
addressing this critical issue.

References

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cu-A

Student mental health and dropout from higher education: an analysis of