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Teenagers all across the globe are suffering from deteriorating mental health. Possible causes of such mental health concerns could include family, friends, jobs, and school-related stress. As a result of school taking over students’ time, many mental health issues that students deal with come from school. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1 in every 3 high school students have experienced negative mental health just during the pandemic (Turnbridge).

Mrs. Robinson, the Supervisor of School Counseling at Indian Hills, says “Our mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It can affect how we think, feel, and act. Mental health is the determining factor in how stress is handled, relationships are maintained, and the choices that are made to maintain our overall wellness.” Students pack their schedules with classes, responsibilities, and jobs that scientifically cause stress and anxiety.  Throughout everyday life, students deal with these issues, however, this is especially hit hard when students are preparing for college. “Students who are preparing for the college process know that grades, involvement in school and their community, and the rigor of their courses all will impact their college applications,” Mrs. Robinson says, “At a school level here at Indian Hills, students learn that to be eligible for our own National Honor Society, they need to have a specific GPA, a certain number of Honor/AP level courses, a certain number of community service hours, and be active in clubs in the school.” Throughout every student’s school career, there are constant reminders and pressures with having admirable grades, participating in clubs, and having ample hours of community service hours. Throughout all of this, most students forget about prioritizing themselves and stepping back to realize the mental toll that stress and school can take.

Although improving mental health can seem like a challenge, there are simple yet effective resources and ways that students can help themselves manage the academic pressure that school can give off. Including taking breaks in between studying, making a to-do list to effectively manage tasks, and setting flexible deadlines (Turnbridge). Many students get overwhelmed with all of the work that they have to do which stresses them out even more than they have to. Mrs. Robinson suggests that students plan out the next day using a calendar app, an agenda, or anything that helps students stay organized. Just keeping track of the assignments and activities that students have can provide reassurance as to what is due and any potential free time. Free time can be allocated efficiently so that students are not sacrificing sleep to complete assignments 

While studying throughout the day, Mrs. Robinson suggests, “Students should not study or do work in their bedroom at home. They should designate an area in their house that is specific for working on school work. When your bedroom at home becomes a place of both relaxation and stress, it is tough to change gears and go from stress-free to all out studying for a big test.”