Understanding the Meanings of Mental Health through the Lived Experiences of Public School Teachers in the Philippines

Abstract: The present study explored the meanings mental health by investigating the lived experiences of public school teachers in the Philippines. The participants were composed of 3 female public school teachers from Antipolo, Rizal. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, and were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as orienting theoretical lens. The results indicated 7 main themes: (1) What they think and feel about teachers’ programs, policies, and benefits; (2) The challenges they face in carrying out their functions; (3) What kind of stresses they normally experience; (4) What they do to cope with challenges and stresses; (5) How they contribute to the society; (6) What makes them stay in the profession; and (7) Going the extra mile for the students. Theoretical and practical implications of the results were discussed. Keywords: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Lived Experiences, Mental Health, Public School Teachers, Stress, Coping. Title: Understanding the Meanings of Mental Health through the Lived Experiences of Public School Teachers in the Philippines Author: Rudy M. Danganan Jr. International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences ISSN 2394-9694 Vol. 9, Issue 3, May 2022 - June 2022 Page No: 46-58 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 16-June-2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6651573 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Understanding%20the%20Meanings-16062022-2.pdfInternational Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences, ISSN 2394-9694, Novelty Journals, Website: www.noveltyjournals.co