The CDC conducted a study that concluded with a startling statistic: 1 in 3 students are at high risk for mental disorders. But what exactly constitutes a mental disorder? According to MedlinePlus, mental disorders (or mental illnesses) “are conditions that affect your thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior.” Examples include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, and psychotic disorders. Growing up in the public school system, we have witnessed the profound impact mental illness has on students of all ages. Through our experiences, it has also become apparent that there are limited, if any, resources available for struggling students. Our research indicates that this lack of mental health resources stems from stigmas that have been passed down through generations nationwide.
So, what is the stigma surrounding mental health? It involves discrimination and assumptions about individuals and their mental health. Much of this negative stigma arises from various sources, but it is most often due to a lack of knowledge and understanding, fear, or inaccurate representation of what mental illness is. Individuals with mental illnesses are frequently disapproved of, viewed negatively, and discriminated against for reasons beyond their control. By creating an unwelcoming atmosphere for people with mental illnesses, an overwhelming amount of shame, guilt, or fear can be associated with reaching out for help. This internalized shame can create a major barrier when it comes to seeking professional aid. Without support or encouragement, a person’s mental health may worsen significantly.
How does this affect high school students? High school students are particularly vulnerable to both the negative stigma against mental health and dealing with mental illnesses. A Pew Research study showed that 70% of teens say that anxiety and depression are major problems among their peers. With the rise of various mental illnesses among students, the consequences are endless. These consequences manifest in hindered academic performance, declining grades, and strained relationships, among others.
What resources can school districts provide to ease the stigma and help students? While schools offer some support for students with mental illnesses, this issue needs to be more strongly acknowledged. Although resources may help to some degree, education on mental health is the most important step toward creating a safe and supportive environment for students. By understanding and learning about mental health, the school community can know how to properly act and address it. Some ways to ease stigma and help students include creating a community awareness campaign or implementing new curriculum-based learning programs that teach students and staff about mental health. More common options include providing various resources that students can reach out to on their own, such as the National Youth Crisis Hotline and Places for People.
With the increased likelihood of negative mental health among high school students, more awareness and education about it should be encouraged. The topic of mental health should be addressed more frequently to positively change the current negative stigma surrounding it. By taking small steps toward change, students can become more aware of their emotional well-being and continue to excel in school.
