This cross-sectional descriptive study determined the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression symptoms, and suicidal ideation and attempts among junior and senior high school students in selected public schools in Zamboanga City. Cluster sampling technique was used for the study with a final sample size of 320 participants. This was conducted in the top 5 most populated public secondary schools within the 7 km city radius of Zamboanga City. Four self-completed questionnaires were used namely: (1) Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale – CES-D; (2) Beck Anxiety Inventory – BAI; and (3) Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised – SBQ – R; and (4) Socio-demographic information. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. The overall prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety was 39.1% and 69% respectively. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt was 43%. In conclusion, the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety, and suicidal ideation and attempt among junior and senior high school students were higher compared with the 16% national rate of mental disorders in the Philippines.

Keyword: Anxiety and depression symptoms and suicidal ideation and attempt Junior and senior high school students