Behind every smile may be a struggle that remains unseen. Mental health is not a weakness to hide but an essential part of every person’s well-being. Students face academic pressure, family expectations, and  personal challenges that can affect their emotional well health. Yet, many remain silent because they fear judgment or believe their struggles will not be understood.

While the  implementation of higher budget allocations and investment for national mental health and child protection programs can provide help by addressing  severe shortage of mental health personnel and mitigate school violence, due to the 50% budget reduction, it is still out of reach.

The government should provide immediate budget assistance through Department of Education (DepEd) program representatives so that they can attain the institutional goals as soon as possible.

It is time to end the stigma and start listening, mental health deserves  the same attention as physical health because no grade achievement or expectations should come before a person’s well-being.