Mental Wellness Program

I. Program Overview

Program Overview (Research-Supported)

The DAMA Program (Developing A Mindful Attitude) is St. Michael’s College of Iligan, Inc.’s comprehensive mental health and wellness initiative designed to nurture a healthy, resilient, and compassionate Michaelite community. Grounded in the core values of Faith, Excellence, and Service, the program promotes holistic well-being among all personnel, faculty, staff, and learners from Kinder to Graduate School.

The program’s name, “DAMA”, meaning to feel, to sense, to empathize, reflects its mission: to cultivate mindful awareness, emotional intelligence, and empathy competencies strongly supported by research as essential to healthy human development. A systematic review of school-based programmes demonstrated that emotional awareness and socio-emotional skills significantly reduce anxiety, improve behavior, and enhance academic outcomes (Frontiers in Education, 2022). Mindfulness-based interventions have also been found to improve emotional regulation, attention, and stress coping among children, youth, and adults (Journal of School Psychology, 2021).

Aligned with these findings, the DAMA Program incorporates school-wide mental health literacy, mindfulness practices, positive coping strategies, and consistent support systems, following recommendations from global studies showing that mental health promotion is most effective when integrated into the daily fabric of school life (WHO, 2021). Studies also reveal that mental wellness efforts are most sustainable when implemented through whole-school approaches that involve all stakeholders students, teachers, staff, parents, and leadership (BMC Public Health, 2022).

By embedding research-based practices into all levels of its academic community, SMCII ensures that mental health is not addressed only during crises but cultivated daily as an essential component of personal growth, institutional well-being, and the fulfillment of SMCII’s mission.

Program Outcomes (Research-Aligned)

  • 1. Enhanced Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness – Research shows that mindfulness increases calmness, attention, and emotional control among students and adults, leading to improved behavior and academic outcomes (School Psychology Review, 2020).
  • 2. Strengthened Resilience and Coping Skills – Meta-analyses indicate that resilience-based and cognitive-behavioral school programs significantly reduce anxiety and stress while improving coping and problem-solving (Clinical Child Psychology Review, 2021).
  • 3. Improved Mental Health Literacy across All Levels – A review of 106 school-based interventions found that 86% improve mental health knowledge and 63% improve attitudes, reducing stigma and increasing help-seeking (Journal of Affective Disorders, 2023).
  • 4. Nurturing and Compassionate School Culture – Studies show that school connectedness feeling safe, supported, and valued—reduces depression and anxiety over time (BMC Public Health, 2022).
  • 5. Increased Academic and Work Productivity – Evidence shows strong links between mental well-being and academic performance, productivity, and work quality (CDC, 2022; WHO, 2021).
  • 6. Early Identification and Support for Mental Health Concerns – Research finds that early screening and referral systems significantly increase successful intervention outcomes (Journal of Human Resources, 2022).
  • 7. Strengthened Collaboration among Stakeholders – Family engagement and school-home collaboration enhance both mental health outcomes and academic success (Education Development Center, 2020).
  • 8. Alignment with National Regulations and Quality Frameworks – The program is compliant with: RA 11036 (Mental Health Act), DepEd and CHED Memoranda on Mental Health, and ISO 21001:2018 standards on learner and personnel well-being.

II. IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAM COMPONENTS BY LEVEL

A. KINDER & PRIMARY (Kinder–Grade 3)

Focus: Emotional safety, routine, positive behavior, early self-regulation.

1. Daily Emotional Check-ins

  • Classrooms display a large “Mood Meter” with four zones: Happy, Sad, Angry, Calm.
  • Upon arrival, children place their name/picture on their mood zone.
  • Teachers observe patterns and take note of children consistently placing themselves in the negative zones.
  • The Guidance Office receives weekly reports for possible early intervention.
  • Parents are informed during conferences if emotional concerns persist for more than two weeks.

2. Play-Based Socio-Emotional Learning

  • Teachers use storytelling, puppetry, and games to discuss feelings, empathy, turn-taking, and cooperation.
  • Weekly SEL (Socio-Emotional Learning) sessions are embedded into the class schedule.
  • Activities include “Feelings Charades,” “Kindness Tree,” and cooperative play tasks.
  • Guidance collaborates with teachers to provide SEL materials and training.

3. Parent Coaching Sessions

  • Quarterly workshops conducted by Guidance Counselors or invited child psychologists.
  • Topics include positive discipline, tantrum management, and building emotional security at home.
  • Attendance is monitored; modules and handouts are distributed for consistency.
  • Parents with children flagged through the referral system are strongly encouraged to attend.

4. Safe Spaces

  • Each classroom has a calming corner equipped with soft toys, coloring sheets, sensory items, and quiet books.
  • Students who feel overwhelmed may request a brief calm-time break without penalty.
  • Teachers log repeated visits to the corner and coordinate with Guidance for follow-up.

5. Referral System

  • Teachers submit a referral form to the Guidance Office when emotional or behavioral issues persist.
  • Guidance conducts observation, initial interview, and parent consultation.
  • Cases requiring further support are referred to a partner psychologist.

B. INTERMEDIATE & JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 4–10)

Focus: Identity, friendships, mental health literacy, emotional regulation.

1. Classroom Wellness Hour

  • Conducted once a month by class advisers or Guidance Counselors.
  • Modules prepared by the Guidance Office cover topics: stress, emotions, confidence, anti-bullying, and digital discipline.
  • Activities include reflective journal prompts, role-playing, small group sharing, and values-based scenarios.
  • Teachers submit short documentation after each session.

2. Peer Helpers Program

  • Students apply or are recommended by teachers based on empathy and responsibility.
  • Basic training given on active listening, empathy, and proper referral.
  • Peer Helpers assist classmates, welcome transfer students, and help maintain a safe environment.
  • They meet monthly with the Guidance Office for supervision.

3. Guidance-Led Group Sessions

  • Small groups of 8–12 students meet for 30–60 minutes.
  • Sessions target issues like friendships, study habits, and test anxiety.
  • Participation may be voluntary, referred, or recommended by teachers.
  • Guidance maintains confidential records of session themes and progress.

4. Crisis Prevention Measures

  • “Speak-Up Box” is placed in strategic school areas; Guidance retrieves messages weekly.
  • Concern reports include bullying, harassment, stress, or safety issues.
  • Quick Response Team (QRT) responds within 24–48 hours depending on severity.
  • QRT conducts preliminary assessment followed by parent communication when needed.

5. Family Wellness Seminars

  • Seminars scheduled every semester.
  • Topics: parenting teens, digital safety, communication styles, setting boundaries.
  • Attendance tracked to encourage parental involvement.
  • Recordings and handouts provided for absent parents.

C. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 11–12)

Focus: Academic pressure, relationships, self-worth, crisis intervention.

1. Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Held every October in partnership with the Guidance and Student Affairs Office.
  • Activities include: Psychoeducation booths (stress, sleep, relationships), Art therapy sessions, and Relaxation and quiet zones.
  • Students earn points or certificates for participation.

2. One-on-One Counseling

  • Each SHS student is required to complete one counseling session per semester.
  • Guidance office posts schedules and allows appointment booking.
  • Sessions document academic/career concerns, emotional issues, and personal goals.
  • Confidential records kept per RA 11036 guidelines.

3. Stress Management Programs

  • Weekly or monthly sessions on: Yoga and breathing exercises, Time management and study strategies, and Journaling workshops.
  • Facilitated by trained Guidance staff or invited experts.

4. Relationship & Self-Worth Talks

  • Talks delivered during assemblies or via special sessions.
  • Topics: Healthy boundaries, self-esteem, break-ups, body image.
  • Interactive segments (Q&A, scenario analysis) ensure engagement.

5. Suicide Prevention Protocol

  • QRT conducts immediate assessment for at-risk students.
  • Safety plans created with student and parent involvement.
  • Follow-up counseling scheduled weekly or bi-weekly.
  • Referral to psychiatrists/psychologists when high-risk signs are present.

D. HIGHER EDUCATION (College)

Focus: Academic load, burnout, independence, life decisions.

1. Student Wellness Center

  • Open daily for walk-in counseling.
  • Provides chat-based support for emergencies via official school channels.
  • Triage conducted by Guidance staff to determine urgency.
  • Partnership with mental health professionals for complex cases.

2. Mental Health Seminars

  • Scheduled per semester focusing on burnout, adulting, digital overload, and managing failure.
  • Experts from psychology, medicine, and HR fields serve as speakers.
  • Attendance used for wellness points or class integration.

3. Faculty Gatekeeper Training

  • Annual training for faculty to recognize early signs of depression, anxiety, or distress.
  • Faculty learn referral protocols and active listening strategies.
  • Short manual distributed to guide classroom responses.

4. Calm Zones

  • Designated spaces equipped with mats, cushions, soft lighting, and relaxing music.
  • Open during exam weeks for students needing decompression.
  • Monitored by Student Affairs Office (SAO) staff.

5. Peer Support Circles

  • Monthly sessions facilitated by trained student leaders.
  • Topics include stress, relationships, and academic motivation.
  • Safe, non-judgmental sharing environment.
  • Guidance monitors but does not intervene unless necessary.

E. GRADUATE SCHOOL

Focus: Work–study balance, career stress, leadership strain.

1. Professional Wellness Workshops

  • Workshops on work-life balance, burnout, and leadership mental health.
  • Delivered in evening schedules to accommodate working professionals.
  • Recorded sessions uploaded for those unable to attend.

2. Counseling for Working Learners

  • Flexible counseling slots offered on weekends and evenings.
  • Online counseling available through secure platforms.
  • Guidance emails check-in forms to monitor student workload and well-being.

3. Research & Thesis Support Group

  • Monthly support group for thesis writers emphasizing stress regulation.
  • Techniques include time management, academic coping skills, and self-compassion.
  • Peer accountability groups formed per program.

4. Family Support Talks

  • Topics include parenting while studying, marital communication, and family-work balance.
  • Sessions open to spouses and family members.

5. Leadership Coaching

  • One-on-one coaching for graduate students in leadership roles.
  • Emphasizes emotional intelligence and conflict management.
  • Includes reflective journaling and supervisory meetings.

F. PERSONNEL (Faculty, Non-Teaching Staff, Administrators)

Focus: Workplace well-being, burnout prevention, emotional resilience.

1. Personnel Wellness Sessions

  • Monthly wellness talks (stress, sleep, self-care).
  • Workshops integrated into in-service training.

2. Employee Counseling & Support

  • Employees may book confidential Guidance counseling sessions anytime or with the RVM sisters.
  • Online option provided for those on leave or off-campus.
  • High-risk cases referred to partner clinicians.

3. Mental Health Literacy for Staff

  • Orientation and annual seminars on RA 11036 rights, stress signs, and referral process.
  • Quick reference guides provided to all staff.

4. Psychological First Aid (PFA)

  • Selected personnel trained yearly on PFA protocols.
  • PFA responders serve as first-line support before formal referral.

5. Workplace Calm Zones

  • Quiet corners in offices equipped with mindfulness cards, essential oils, or soft lighting.
  • Employees permitted short mindful breaks as needed.

6. Team-Building & Social Support

  • Quarterly team-building focused on collaboration, trust, and morale.
  • Bonding activities improve workplace culture and reduce burnout.

7. Wellness Monitoring & Check-Ins

  • Annual wellness survey distributed to staff.
  • Data reviewed by HR, Guidance, and Admin to improve policies.

8. Healthy Lifestyle Programs

  • Fitness challenges, step-count programs, or Zumba sessions.
  • Seminars on nutrition, sleep, and physical health.

9. Inclusive Spiritual Nourishment

  • Interfaith prayer, reflection, or meditation once a week.
  • Chaplaincy/Islamic guidance included to respect all faiths.

10. Recognition & Appreciation Programs

  • Annual awards for exemplary employees.
  • Recognition included in wellness outcomes due to its positive impact on mental health.

III. Annual Activity Plan

Table Format: Components • Period of Implementation • Offices In-Charge

A. KINDER & PRIMARY (Kinder – Grade 3)
Program Components Period of Implementation Offices In-Charge
Daily Emotional Check-ins (“Mood Meter”)Daily / Throughout School YearClass Advisers, Guidance Office
Play-Based Socio-Emotional LearningWeekly SEL ScheduleClass Advisers, Guidance
Parent Coaching SessionsSemi AnnuallyGuidance Office, Principal’s Office
Classroom Safe SpacesDailyTeachers, Guidance
Referral System for At-Risk LearnersAs Needed (Ongoing)Teachers, Guidance Office
B. INTERMEDIATE & JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 4–10)
Program Components Period of Implementation Offices In-Charge
Classroom Wellness HourMonthlyClass Advisers, Guidance
Peer Helpers ProgramTraining: Quarterly / Support: MonthlyGuidance Office, Student Activity Coordinator
Guidance-Led Group SessionsBi-Monthly or As NeededGuidance Office
Crisis Prevention Measures (Speak-Up Box & QRT)Monitoring Weekly / QRT Immediate ResponseGuidance, ERT, VP Admin, Prefect of Discipline
Family Wellness SeminarsSemi-AnnualGuidance, Principal’s Office
C. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 11–12)
Program Components Period of Implementation Offices In-Charge
Mental Health Awareness MonthOctober (Annual)Guidance, SHS Coordinator, Select Teachers
One-on-One CounselingOnce per SemesterGuidance Office
Stress Management (Yoga, Journaling, etc.)MonthlyGuidance, SHS Coordinator, Select Teachers
Relationship & Self-Worth TalksQuarterlyGuidance, SHS Coordinator, Select Teachers
Suicide Prevention ProtocolImmediate Response (Ongoing)Guidance, ERT, VP Admin, SHS Coordinator
D. HIGHER EDUCATION (College)
Program Components Period of Implementation Offices In-Charge
Student Wellness Center OperationsDailyGuidance Center
Mental Health & Life Skills SeminarsTwice per SemesterGuidance, Student Affairs, Deans
Faculty Gatekeeper TrainingAnnual (Start of Academic Year)Guidance, HR Office, VP Academic Affairs
Calm ZonesDaily / Focus during ExamsStudent Affairs Office, Guidance
Peer Support CirclesWeeklyTrained Student Leaders, Guidance
E. GRADUATE SCHOOL
Program Components Period of Implementation Offices In-Charge
Professional Wellness WorkshopsSemi-AnnualGraduate School Office, Guidance
Counseling for Working LearnersAs Scheduled (Evening/Weekend)Guidance Office
Research & Thesis Support GroupMonthlyGraduate School, Guidance
Family Support TalksAnnual / As NeededGraduate School, Guidance
Leadership CoachingSemester-BasedGraduate School, Guidance, VP Admin
F. PERSONNEL (Faculty, Admin, Non-Teaching Staff)
Program Components Period of Implementation Offices In-Charge
Personnel Wellness SessionsMonthly / In-Service TrainingsHR Office, Guidance, VP Admin
Employee Counseling & SupportOngoingGuidance Office, HR
Mental Health Literacy TrainingAnnualHR, Guidance
Psychological First Aid (PFA) TrainingAnnualGuidance, HR, VP Admin
Workplace Calm ZonesDailyHR, Admin Office
Team-Building & Social SupportQuarterly / Annual RetreatHR, VP Admin
Inclusive Spiritual NourishmentWeekly Reflections / Monthly FormationCampus Ministry, HR
Recognition & Appreciation ProgramsMonthly / Year-EndHR, VP Admin
G. CROSS-CUTTING PROGRAMS (All Levels)
Program Components Period of Implementation Offices In-Charge
Regular Screening & AssessmentsBeginning & Mid-Year (Twice Annually)Guidance Office
Crisis Intervention ProtocolImmediate ResponseCMC, Guidance, VP Admin
Anti-Bullying & Safe School CampaignYear-Round / Intensified in Oct.Prefect, Guidance, SAO
Faith & Spiritual IntegrationWeekly / MonthlyCampus Ministry, SAO
Mental Health Champions TrainingAnnualGuidance, HR, Student Affairs

Process of Implementation

For All Levels: Kinder to Graduate School & Personnel

1. Program Planning and Approval Stage
  1. 1.1 Preparation of Annual Mental Health Plan

    The Guidance Office prepares the Annual Mental Health & Wellness Plan, including activities per level, risks, budgets, and schedules.

    Inputs are gathered from:

    • Department heads
    • HR Office
    • Student Affairs Office (SAO)
    • Faculty & staff wellness feedback
    • Previous monitoring/evaluation results
  2. 1.2 Review & Alignment

    The plan undergoes preliminary review by:

    • VP for Administration (overall wellness oversight)
    • VP for Academic Affairs (students’ learning support)
    • HR Office (personnel well-being)
    • SAO (student services alignment)
  3. 1.3 Approval Process
    • The Guidance Office submits the final draft.
    • VP Admin reviews for compliance with policies, RA 11036, and ISO 21001.
    • The President approves the full program implementation.
    • Approved plan is disseminated to: Principal, Deans, HR Office, SAO, Prefect of Discipline / CMC, and Department Heads.
2. Implementation Workflow
  1. 2.1 Pre-Implementation Orientation

    Orientation sessions conducted by the Guidance Office for:

    • Teachers & advisers
    • Personnel
    • Class officers / student leaders
    • Peer Helpers
    • Parents (as needed)
  2. 2.2 Actual Implementation per Component

    Each activity is implemented by the assigned Office In-Charge:

    Components Primary Implementer Support Offices
    Emotional Check-ins / SELTeachersGuidance
    Wellness HourTeachers / GuidanceDepartment Heads
    Seminars & WorkshopsGuidanceSAS, HR
    Counseling & ReferralGuidanceQRT, Admin
    Crisis InterventionQRTGuidance, VP Admin
    Mental Health ChampionsGuidanceHR, SAS
    Personnel WellnessHR OfficeGuidance, VP Admin
3. Reporting Process

  1. 3.1 Activity Documentation

    For every activity (e.g., seminar, workshop, counseling session), the following must be documented:

    • Attendance
    • Summary of topics
    • Observations
    • Issues raised
    • Recommendations
  2. 3.2 Submission of Reports

    Line: Teachers/Facilitators → Guidance Office → SAS/HR/Dept Heads → VP Admin

    • Teachers/Facilitators submit documentation within 3–5 working days after activity.
    • Guidance Office: Reviews submissions, consolidates per department, and files confidential records (per RA 11036).
    • Forwarding:
      • Student-related concerns → SAS, Principals/Deans
      • Personnel-related concerns → HR Office
      • Critical/High-risk cases → QRT and VP Admin
    • VP Admin receives a consolidated monthly report.
4. Referral and Case-Handling Process
  1. 4.1 Identification: Concern observed by teacher, adviser, peer helper, parent, or staff.
  2. 4.2 Reporting Line: Teacher/Staff → Guidance Office → (if severe) QRT → VP Admin.
  3. 4.3 Guidance Assessment: Conducts initial interview, emotional/behavioral assessment, and parent/guardian meeting (if minor).
  4. 4.4 Action Steps: In-school counseling, peer support, parent conference, academic accommodations, or referral to external specialists.
  5. 4.5 QRT Intervention (High-Risk): Activated for self-harm, suicidal ideation, violent behavior, or severe breakdown. Includes safety planning and external referral.
  6. 4.6 Closure & Follow-Up: Guidance monitors the case for 2–6 weeks. Closing report filed confidentially.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation Process
  1. 5.1 Monthly Monitoring: Guidance checks program progress, attendance, and emerging issues. Reports submitted to Principals, HR, SAS, and VP Admin.
  2. 5.2 Semester Evaluation: Evaluation via surveys (students, personnel, parents), counseling trends analysis, and incident report summaries.
  3. 5.3 Annual Program Review: Consolidated Annual Mental Health Report prepared by Guidance and submitted to VP Admin, President, and Board.
  4. 5.4 Approval of Revisions: VP Admin reviews proposed improvements; final approval from the President’s Office.
6. Communication & Transparency

Approved program disseminated via: Memoranda, School website & LMS, Assemblies, and Office circulars. All departments receive updated guidelines.

7. Accountability Structure (Summary)
Level of Responsibility Role
Office of the PresidentFinal approval of program
VP for AdministrationOversight, crisis approval, monitoring
Guidance OfficeCore implementer, documentation, counseling, training
HR OfficePersonnel wellness & mental health support
SAOStudent-related services supervision
Principals/DeansDepartment compliance & coordination
Teachers/StaffFirst-line implementation & referral
Crisis Management CommitteeEmergency response and safety
Campus Ministry/ChaplaincySpiritual wellness support

IV. Effectivity

This policy takes effect immediately upon approval and shall remain in force unless revised or revoked by the Administration.