IMPACTS OF CORONAVIRUS ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF THE SENIOR

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

A Qualitative Research Presented To The Senior High School Department Faculty of

Lupon National Comprehensive High School
Division of Davao Oriental

Barrete, Krystle I.
January 2022
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly resulted in an increased level of anxiety and
fear in communities in terms of disease management and infection spread. Due to
fear and social stigma linked with COVID-19, many individuals in the community hide
their disease and do not access healthcare facilities in a timely manner. In addition,
with the widespread use of social media, rumours, myths and inaccurate information
about the virus are spreading rapidly, leading to intensified irritability, fearfulness,
insomnia, oppositional behaviours and somatic complaints. Considering the
relevance of all these factors, we aim to explore the perceptions and attitudes of
senior high school students towards COVID-19 and its impact on their daily lives and
mental well-being.

Introduction

Background of the Study

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic—and the social distancing

measures that many countries have implemented—have caused disruptions to daily
routines. As of April 8, 2020, schools have been suspended nationwide in 188
countries, according to UNESCO. Over 90% of enrolled learners (1·5 billion young
people) worldwide are now out of education. The UNESCO Director-General Audrey
Azoulay warned that “the global scale and speed of the current educational
disruption is unparalleled”. According to a survey, 20% of high school students say
their mental health has significantly worsened under Covid-19. The Department of
Education (DepEd) has launched several hotlines for the mental health concerns of
teachers and students. “We prioritize the promotion and protection of the mental
health and general welfare of our personnel and learners, especially amidst the
challenges we face due to the crisis,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said in a
statement.
However, Attempted youth suicides and deaths have risen sharply during the
COVID-19 pandemic, with an increase in suicide-related calls to mental health
centers across the country. Latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA) showed that suicide incidents rose 25.7% in 2020, making it the 27th leading
cause of death in 2020 from 31st in 2019. Students are demanding an academic
freeze due to exhaustion of having flexible learning and
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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being of communities:

an exploratory qualitative study protocol
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/12/e041641

Study: Mental Health effects of School Closures During COVID-19 

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(20)30109-7/fulltext

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https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1512364/deped-launches-mental-health-hotlines-for-
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