Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD, have become more common among teens and young adults, affecting their academic performance and professional prospects. Let’s examine some of the factors behind the increase in mental health issues, and how parental and institutional support are necessary in helping teens fulfill their potential.
These challenges are a significant concern for adolescent health, as school environments and related stressors can have a profound impact on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of teenagers.
CDC analyses from 2021 found that about 4 in 10 high school students expressed persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness in the last year. It’s clear, especially in the post-COVID landscape, that teens need help managing and improving their mental health, and that schools and communities alike need to pick up the slack on mental health initiatives.
But do these feelings of hopelessness translate to problems at school? The answer is yes. School affects mental health in many ways, as negative school experiences can contribute to mental health struggles. From low mood and depression to episodes of substance use, teen mental health issues reduce focus, affect cognition, and pull a teen’s attention away from their academic goals and responsibilities – and, as a result, their future. Both academic and social factors in school can affect mental health, influencing emotional well-being and academic outcomes.
Poor mental health during the teen years can cut into a teen’s early life success. Academic pressure from homework, exams, and high expectations can contribute to anxiety, stress, and even burnout. The pressure to excel academically may also lead to significant mental health challenges for students. Addressing the factors that contribute to a student’s mental health is essential, not just for their academic success, but for their general wellness.
It is also crucial for educators and parents to monitor academic development alongside mental health, so students can receive timely support and interventions when needed.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health is a vital component of every student’s overall well-being, shaping how they think, feel, and act both inside and outside the classroom.
According to the World Health Organization, mental health is “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and can make a contribution to their community.” For students, this means being able to manage academic demands, build healthy relationships, and participate fully in school life.
When students experience poor mental health, it can lead to a range of mental health problems, including anxiety disorders, depressive symptoms, and affective disorders. These challenges can make it difficult for students to focus, engage with peers, and maintain motivation. The school environment plays a significant role in either supporting or undermining students’ mental health. Positive school environments that prioritize mental health education and awareness can help students develop resilience and achieve better mental health outcomes.
Recognizing the importance of students’ mental health is the first step toward creating supportive spaces where all students can thrive.
What Affects Student Mental Health?
Teens have been struggling with mental health issues long before COVID.
While the pandemic accentuated many of these problems due to financial woes, trouble at home, the effects of the virus itself, and social isolation, mental health rates among the youth have risen starkly in recent years. An improvement in the awareness and understanding of mental health issues can explain at least part of that. Today’s high school students are more comfortable openly admitting to feeling lonely or sad, sometimes to a significant degree.
But there are other contributing factors, as well. Racism and prejudice have been on a sharp increase. LGBTQ+ teens in particular are far more likely to consider suicide than their heterosexual peers, and LGBTQ+ teens have been targeted by more hate crimes and acts of violence in the last few years.
Social media may have a role to play, as well. Teens are ever more reliant on technology to interface with peers, especially during the pandemic years. But too much screen time or too much of an online presence can negatively impact teen self-worth and self-esteem. Research from tech firms shows that their products and algorithms also affect teen mental health rates and even inadvertently promote eating disorders. Nutrition can also play a significant part in affecting teens’ mental health.
There’s no question that teens have a lot to deal with right now.
Poor mental health correlates strongly with poor academic performance and problems with productivity and personal potential in early adulthood. Teens with mental health problems aren’t just struggling to pass classes, but will have a harder time with decision-making, time management, executive functioning, prioritization, and their physical health. They’re more likely to get less sleep, more likely to experience drug use at an earlier age, more likely to experience violence, and are at a higher risk of unsafe sexual behaviors.
Experiencing bullying or social exclusion can lead to low self-esteem and an increased risk of developing mental health problems. These mental health problems can persist into college, affecting college students’ academic and social lives. Poor mental health can affect a teen’s life in many ways, including:
- Academic Impact
- Decline in Academic Performance
Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression can directly impact students’ ability to concentrate and succeed in school. - Difficulty Concentrating and Learning
Mental health conditions can make it difficult for students to focus, highlighting the need for early identification and support. - Increased Absenteeism
- Impact on Career Goals
- Decline in Academic Performance
- Relationships
- Isolation and Loneliness
- Strained Friendships
- Impact on Family Dynamics
- Barriers to Social Engagement
- Physical Health
- Sleep Disruptions
- Changes in Appetite and Nutrition
- Physical Symptoms of Stress
- Long-term Health Consequences
- Behavioral Changes
- Risky Behaviors and Substance Abuse
- Self-harm and Suicidal Thoughts
Students facing severe stressors are at increased risk of experiencing a mental health crisis. - Coping Mechanisms and Maladaptive Behaviors
- Impact on Decision-Making
Mental Health Education and Awareness
Mental health education is a cornerstone of promoting awareness and understanding of mental health issues among students.
By integrating mental health education into the school curriculum, schools can equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize mental health issues, seek help, and support their peers. Access to mental health resources and services within the school environment ensures that students’ mental health needs are addressed promptly and effectively.
A strong focus on mental health education helps students develop healthy coping mechanisms, build social skills, and enhance their emotional well-being. It also contributes to a positive school environment by reducing stigma, decreasing bullying, and fostering a sense of belonging. The National Alliance on Mental Illness emphasizes that mental health education can have a profoundly positive impact on students’ lives, resulting in improved academic outcomes and increased life satisfaction.
By prioritizing mental health education, schools empower students to take charge of their well-being and create a supportive community for all.
Supporting High-Risk Students
Sure, students face a higher risk of developing mental health problems due to factors such as poverty, trauma, disabilities, or family mental health challenges.
These students often require additional support to navigate their mental health challenges and succeed academically. Schools can play a crucial role by offering targeted interventions, including counseling, therapy, and social skills training, tailored to the unique needs of high-risk students.
School counselors and psychologists play a crucial role in identifying students who may require additional support and connecting them with suitable mental health services. By providing these resources, schools can help high-risk students develop resilience, enhance their academic outcomes, and reduce the likelihood of persistent mental health issues.
Ensuring that all students, especially those at higher risk, have access to mental health support is key to fostering a safe and inclusive school environment.
The Importance of Support Systems
Support systems are fundamental to promoting students’ mental health and overall well-being. Family members, teachers, school counselors, and peers each play a vital role in offering emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. A positive and inclusive school environment helps students feel connected and valued, which is essential for their mental health.
Schools can further support students by providing access to mental health resources, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups. Encouraging healthy behaviors—like regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep—also contributes to students’ well-being. By prioritizing strong support systems and making mental health resources readily available, schools can help students overcome mental health challenges, achieve better mental health, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Improving Access to Mental Health Resources
Students need to know that they have someone to turn to, whether at home or at school. Making kids aware of their options is essential. If you are concerned about red flags in teenage behavior, talk to your teen and their school about finding local resources, getting the number of the available counselor or mental health professional, or about helping your teen talk to a therapist.
Implementing programs such as mental health education and anti-bullying initiatives in schools can significantly improve mental health and foster a safe and inclusive environment. These programs help raise awareness, promote social-emotional skills, and create a supportive atmosphere where all students feel valued and protected from bullying.
Teen mental health is an important topic. As the stigma surrounding mental health issues lifts, more and more people are beginning to talk about how they feel, causing mental health rates to continue to rise. While encouraging people to speak up about their mental health is a good thing, it’s also become a cause for concern among many parents and educators. We field a lot of questions about teen mental health here at Visions, such as:
Can mental health issues affect a student’s career goals?
Poorer academic performance can limit a teen’s career options, but unaddressed mental health problems can also make it harder for teens to succeed in their chosen line of work. While people with mental health problems are protected from discrimination, they can still be terminated or refused specific opportunities because of productivity deficits or behavioral issues at work.
Does stigma still play a role in students seeking help?
Stigma is still very much a problem among students. While today’s teens are more understanding and tolerant of specific mental health issues, kids are kids, and kids can be cruel. Many teens won’t want to speak up about how they feel because they’re worried about victimization. Encouraging teens to talk to an adult or speak with a counselor about how they really feel is essential. An inclusive school environment can help reduce stigma and encourage students to seek support when needed.
How can I help my teen manage their stress and prioritize their mental health?
Being a role model is a good start. Teens are still impressionable and are more likely to pick up habits that they’re used to seeing in their peers and parents. Sometimes, the first step towards helping your teen prioritize their self-care and pick up better coping habits is to show that you can do so too. A positive learning environment, whether in traditional or online settings, can also support students’ well-being and help them manage stress more effectively.
Educational Attainment and Mental Health
The connection between educational attainment and mental health is significant. Students struggling with mental health problems, such as anxiety disorders or depressive symptoms, may find it challenging to reach their academic goals and achieve their full potential. Poor mental health can hinder academic achievement and limit future educational opportunities.
However, when schools provide mental health support, education, and resources, students are more likely to experience positive academic outcomes and higher educational attainment. Prioritizing mental health within the school system helps students overcome barriers to learning and achieve both academic and personal success. Collaboration between schools, school districts, family members, and community organizations ensures a comprehensive support network that addresses the diverse mental health needs of all students, including those with learning disabilities or substance abuse issues. By fostering well-being and supporting students’ mental health, schools lay the foundation for lifelong success.
Conclusion
Better mental health screening tools, better access to mental healthcare within the community and at school, better measures taken to improve student mental health, support the continued growth of mental health awareness, and tackle the stigmatization of mental health issues all go a long way towards normalizing and addressing the issue of mental health in modern society, especially among our students. Mental health professionals, including school psychologists and social workers, play a vital role in providing support and resources to students. Social-emotional learning is also essential in helping students build resilience, develop coping skills, and foster healthy relationships. Mental health is essential for students’ academic and personal success, and prioritizing it can lead to better long-term outcomes.
For teens struggling with mental health problems at school and at home, seeking treatment is essential. Conditions like generalized anxiety or major depression do not go away on their own. Connecting with other students who have faced similar challenges can provide valuable peer support and help teens feel less alone.
We at Visions can work with your teen to provide them with an individualized treatment plan and ensure that they continue to keep up with their peers at school while getting help.
Give us a call today to get started.
