Understanding the Mental Health Assistance Experienced by ODL Students through the CLCD Programs and Activities

Abstract

The unexpected pandemic impacted everything, including the standard of living, education, and, most importantly, students' mental health and well-being. The Center for Life and Career Development offers a variety of mental health-related programs and activities to address these issues. This qualitative study aims to determine if the school counseling at St. Mary’s College Quezon City is effective in helping students' mental health in Grades 10 to 12. At the end of the study, the researchers gathered relevant data from nine (9) participants. The findings showed that students had experienced at least one of the many CLCD services and activities. According to the research’s findings, most participants perceived the CLCD as helpful and reliable, while a few perceived the CLCD as unhelpful or lacking in some areas. Although there were some issues in terms of communication and the seminars, the participants claimed that the CLCD could help them through webinars, consultations, personal messages, forms, and daily checkups. Students have recommendations and opinions on how the CLCD could be better, such as implementing projects that specifically cater to the mental health problems that students have mentioned in the conducted interviews. The researchers used a qualitative interview guide to conduct semi-structured interviews via Microsoft Teams with nine purposively selected grade 10 to 12 students from St. Mary’s College Quezon City. Data was recorded through audio and video recordings, transcriptions, and note-taking. Four female and five male students participated in the study. The interviews were conducted from January 4-5, 2021, and lasted 10-20 minutes. The study employed member checking to ensure validity.

Grade 10 to 12 students reported that CLCD assists them with their mental health through webinars, consultations, personal messages, forms, and daily checkups. The shift to online learning has affected communication with CLCD facilitators, with internet problems cited as a potential hindrance. Participants generally had positive experiences with CLCD facilitators and found them approachable and easy to talk to. Student's mental health issues during online learning include adjustment, academic pressure, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, LGBT community dysphoria, stress, burnout, and time management. The study focused on how the Center for Life and Career Development (CLCD) in St. Mary’s College Quezon City provides mental health assistance to students during online distance learning. Most grades 10 to 12 students are satisfied with the CLCD’s programs and services. Still, some suggested improvements, such as better promotion of webinars and more specific projects targeting students’ mental health issues. The study recommends gathering data from a larger sample size and spreading mental health awareness.