𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦: “𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 – 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞”

December 1, 2025 | Venue: Diagyan National High School Covered Court

Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners of Diagyan National High School participated in a Mental Health Symposium on “Career Anxiety – Handling Uncertainty About the Future,” led by Miss Vera Mae H. Noveno, School Mental Health Coordinator.

The symposium began with a warm greeting and interactive discussion, as Miss Noveno asked students who felt anxious about their future—a question that immediately resonated with the audience. She defined career anxiety as the stress or worry students feel when thinking about course choices, career paths, or life after Senior High.

Miss Noveno identified common causes of career anxiety among Filipino senior high students, including family expectations, financial concerns, fear of making the wrong decision, social media comparisons, and uncertainty about future jobs. She also highlighted signs such as overthinking, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty choosing a course, and comparing oneself to peers.

Practical strategies to cope with career anxiety were shared, including exploring personal strengths, seeking guidance from trusted adults, researching multiple pathways, and taking small steps toward career decisions. Miss Noveno also encouraged students to reframe their perspective on the future, emphasizing that the first choice is not the final destiny and that career paths can evolve over time.

The symposium concluded with a reminder that career anxiety is normal and manageable. Learners were encouraged to recognize their feelings, take proactive steps, and seek support from the school guidance office whenever needed.

This event successfully equipped students with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to handle uncertainty about their future while promoting mental wellness and self-awareness among senior high learners.