Mental Health Literacy of College Students in the Post-Pandemic Era

Abstract: Mental Health Literacy (MHL) is individuals' knowledge of mental health status, problems, and issues. It includes how people manage, recognize, and prevent mental health problems particularly college students in the post-pandemic era, where unexpected changes occurred. The pandemic and its changes affect people financially, physically, emotionally, and mentally. This study aimed to determine the MHL level of Bachelor of Elementary Education Students enrolled at Mandaue City College in the Post-Pandemic era. The design of this study was a quantitative descriptive design to determine the mental health literacy of college students in the post-pandemic era. The tool used in this study was adapted from O’Connor & Casey's (2019) Mental Health Literacy Scale. Based on the findings, researchers determined that the mental health literacy of college students are capable of recognizing mental health disorders however they are not ready to acknowledge their occurrence. This study implied that college students were aware and knowledgeable enough to professional help available in terms of mental health issues. They can recognize disorders, and in line with this study college students need attention of the health professionals to prevent negative thoughts about their behavior. Furthermore, this study confirmed of Philippine Mental Health Act and Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act which presents the prevention by giving college students the resources and help they need to improve their mental health and well-being. This theory suggested that there were diverse methods in accessing information that were needed to properly communicate and interact with other people, in a way that they would not feel anxious, and learn to entertain people with confidence. Keywords: Mental health, college students, MHL, knowledge, Literacy, study, people