The Silent Struggle: Why Student’s Mental Health Should Be a Priority

By: Shanique Pringle

Although school can provide some students with a much-needed positive mental break from the chaotic and often challenging dynamics of home life, it can also have detrimental effects on students’ mental health due to the potential risks of heightened anxiety and depression. The school environment is frequently perceived by adults as a sanctuary, where students can temporarily escape the stresses of their home lives, connect with friends, and engage in the pursuit of knowledge. Many adults might even argue that students “have it easy” because their primary responsibility is to focus on their education, which ostensibly only requires them to pay attention in class and complete their assignments. However, this perspective significantly overlooks the relentless pressure that students experience within the school setting.

The demands of homework, coupled with the complexities of social interactions and the pressure to achieve academically, can contribute to an alarming increase in depression and anxiety among students. Research consistently indicates that the factors surrounding the school environment can exacerbate existing mental health issues or even give rise to new ones. For instance, the competitive atmosphere in schools, where grades and performance are often emphasized above all else, can create a toxic environment that fosters feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. Additionally, the fear of failure or not meeting expectations can weigh heavily on students’ minds, leading to a cycle of stress that is difficult to break.

-Understanding Why Students Suffer in Silence

The disparity in the way adults and teens perceive mental health and emotional support plays a significant role in this phenomenon. For example, a survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics between 2021 and 2022 revealed that parents tend to believe their teenagers are receiving far more social and emotional support than they actually are. The findings of this study indicate that parents think teens are receiving approximately 2.75 times more support than they truly experience, highlighting a critical disconnect between perception and reality.

Moreover, as noted by Dr. Krueger, a clinical director for Newport Academy, “Teens can be reluctant to speak up about mental health issues for fear of being judged or labeled by parents or peers.” This fear is compounded by societal stigmas surrounding mental health, which can discourage open conversations. According to a National 4-H Council survey, a staggering 65% of teens reported that they prefer to deal with their feelings on their own rather than seeking help, while 67% admitted to pretending to feel better in order not to burden others with their struggles. Additionally, a study conducted by the University of Michigan's Health Lab found that approximately 1 in 7 children and teens, which equates to nearly 7.7 million individuals, are living with at least one undiagnosed and treatable mental health disorder. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for change in how mental health is addressed in schools and at home.

-How Parents and Teachers Can Help

To combat these issues, parents can play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive environment at home by actively listening to their children, validating their feelings, and reassuring them that it is completely normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed at times. Moreover, introducing healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress and navigating difficult emotions can empower children to handle their feelings more effectively. Teachers, too, can contribute significantly by incorporating social and emotional learning into the curriculum, which would teach students essential skills for understanding and managing their emotions. Additionally, parents and teachers should remain vigilant and attentive to changes in students’ behavior, such as shifts in sleep or eating patterns, or a noticeable decline in academic performance. By fostering a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help, we can work together to ensure that no student has to suffer in silence.