High school is supposed to be a time of discovery–finding your passions, making lifelong friends, and building dreams for the future. But for so many students, it is not. Behind the smiles, the laughter in hallways, and the perfect pictures on social media, countless teens are fighting battles no one sees.

Priscilla Du Preez (Unsplash)

For some, the pressure to get good grades feels suffocating. For others, it is the relentless comparison to their peers, the fear of not being enough, or the constant buzz of social media telling them they are not enough. High school can often be a period of intense change and growth, where students face academic challenges, social pressures, and future uncertainties.

The impact of these stressors on mental health cannot be overlooked, as it directly affects students’ ability to succeed academically and enjoy their high school experience. According to a survey from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 teenagers ages 13-18 experience a severe mental disorder at some point in their lives.

University of Minnesota Morris; Leah Christian (Flickr)

The COVID-19 pandemic added an additional layer of complexity to mental health in high schools with the shift to remote learning and isolation impacting many students. When school shut their doors, so did the lifelines that so many teens relied upon friendships, routine, and a sense of belonging. Isolation crept in, and for some, it never left. The loss of connection left scars that many are still carrying today.

Mental health does not just impact how students feel, it affects everything they do. These experiences have shown how essential mental well-being is for effective learning and academic progression. When students are experiencing anxiety or depression, they often have difficulty focusing on their studies, completing assignments, and retaining information. Likewise, students dealing with depression may experience fatigue, low motivation, and poor concentration, all of which hinder academic performance.

Tim Gouw (Unsplash)

High levels of stress and anxiety can lead to habits of avoidance causing students to miss school or disengage from their classes. A vicious cycle can develop; students miss classes due to mental health struggles, fall behind in their studies, and become even more stressed about catching up. And yet, so many teens stay silent.

Image created with DeepAI

Peer relationships and self-esteem social dynamics in high school have been proven to also contribute significantly to students’ mental health. Poor mental health can impact student’s self-confidence, affecting their willingness to participate in class or seek help when they need it.

Students who are struggling may be less likely to reach out to teachers or counselors, fearing the potential of being judged or labeled. They worry about looking weak or burdening someone else. Unfortunately, without support, many students may continue to struggle, which affects their academic and social development.

Image created with DeepAI

But there is hope, schools and communities are beginning to see what students have known all along, that mental health is just as important as physical health. Many high schools now provide resources like counselors, mental health workshops, and stress-management programs to support students. Educators are also being trained to recognize signs of mental health issues in students, which can help in providing timely support or referrals. Additionally, students and families are encouraged to seek help outside of school, if needed, through mental health professionals who can provide therapy and coping strategies.

Eye for ebony (Unsplash)

Encouraging open conversations about mental health at school and at home can reduce the fear surrounding it, making teens feel more comfortable to seek support. Learning to balance academic responsibilities with self care is crucial for long term success. Practices such as managing time effectively, setting realistic academic goals, and engaging in physical activities or hobbies can help reduce stress. The most powerful change though is when we start talking about it. Schools can also support this by promoting healthy boundaries and realistic expectations, ensuring students do not feel overwhelmed by constant pressure to achieve.

Helena Lopes (Unsplash)

In a high school setting, promoting mental health is not only beneficial for students’ well being but also essential for fostering a positive and productive learning environment. High school should not feel like a test of survival, it should be a time of growth and having the opportunity to dream without fear. By acknowledging the link between mental health and academic performance, schools can help students cultivate resilience, cope with challenges, and ultimately achieve their academic and personal goals. Every student deserves to know they are not alone in this journey we call life.