BREAKING SILENCE: MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY, HELP SEEKING, AND SELF-CARE IN FILIPINO COLLEGE LIFE

This study examined the relationship between mental health literacy, help-seeking preferences, and self-care practices among college students of Arellano University. A descriptive-correlational research design was used. Three instruments: the Mental Health Literacy Scale – Filipino Version (MHLS-F), the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ), and the Self-Care Scale (SCS) were used. The results showed a moderate understanding of mental health among the students, indicating an average level of awareness and knowledge about mental health issues. The respondents were able to recognize common mental disorders and knew where to find information or professional help. Positive attitudes toward seeking help were evident, although some stigma and neutral acceptance toward individuals with mental illness remained present. Help-seeking preferences were found to be moderate, with students more likely to seek help from intimate partners, mental health professionals, and doctors. Self-care practices were also moderate, suggesting that self-care is valued but not practiced consistently. The correlation analysis revealed a very weak but significant relationship among mental health literacy, help-seeking preferences, and self-care. The study concludes that college students of Arellano University possess a moderate understanding of mental health and show openness toward professional help-seeking, yet stigma and irregular self-care continue to be evident. It is recommended that the university strengthen mental health education and awareness programs, enhance access to counseling services, and promote consistent self-care and peer support among students.