Mental Health Literacy Predicts General Help-Seeking Intentions Among Filipino Public School Teachers

Limited attention is given to teachers’ mental health in most public schools in the Philippines. Using a cross-sectional predictive research design, data from 1,213 Filipino public school teachers were analyzed to examine the predictive effects of mental health literacy components to general help-seeking intentions. Results showed that stereotypes and erroneous beliefs, along with first-aid knowledge and help-seeking attitudes, predicted teachers’ intentions to ask for help both in case of personal–emotional issues and suicidal thoughts. Teachers who have more adequate first-aid and help-seeking knowledge and fewer erroneous stereotypes regarding mental illness tend to seek professional assistance when experiencing personal–emotional difficulties or suicidal thoughts, which highlights the need for inclusive, teacher-focused mental health programs integrated into educational frameworks. Recommendations included strengthening national, ASEAN, and global policies to support teacher well-being and mental health literacy initiatives. This study shed light on the challenges in teacher development and provided a perspective on advancing holistic mental health support for educators in public schools.