Home⇛Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives⇛vol. 4 no. 5 (2026)

Understanding Mental Health Challenges and Coping Mechanisms Among Community High School Students in Masiu, Lanao del Sur, Philippines

Saliha D. Oranggaga | Ashmin R. Abdulkarim | Aisah A. Samsoden | Hijarah D. Monadi | Shahanee P. Hadji Halem | Sittie Ashiah G. Guro | Afgani Cabugatan | Jalila P. Cairoden | Samerah H. Saanoden | Mokhlis T. Pangcoga

Discipline: psychology (non-specific)

 

Abstract:

Mental health challenges among high school students have become an increasing concern, particularly within community school settings where academic, social, and emotional demands intersect. However, existing research has largely relied on quantitative approaches, which provide a limited understanding of students’ actual experiences across multiple dimensions of wellbeing. This study aimed to explore and understand the mental health challenges of high school students of Community High School in Masiu through examining academic, social, emotional, physical, and coping experiences, from the students’ perspectives. A qualitative descriptive research design with phenomenological elements was utilized. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 30 purposively selected high school students and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that academic pressure and performance expectations were primary stressors contributing to emotional distress, reduced concentration, and fatigue. Students also reported social withdrawal, interaction anxiety, sleep disturbances, and somatic symptoms, demonstrating the interconnected and bidirectional nature of mental and physical health challenges. Coping strategies were largely informal and self-directed, with limited engagement in seeking help due to stigma, lack of awareness, and discomfort with authority figures. Hence, the study emphasized that mental health challenges among high school students are complex and contextually dependent, which requires complete and integrated school-based support systems. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of adolescent mental health in community school contexts and emphasize the importance of addressing academic, emotional, social, and physical dimensions of student well-being.



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