When you see a student going up the stairs on crutches, you will give them a hand. However, when you see a depressed student in your class, you ignore the possibility that they are suffering from mental illnesses, assuming that they’re simply having a bad day. Multiple studies show that one in five teenagers suffer from at least one mental health disorder. The most common include depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

During adolescence, teens go through dramatic life changes. Their bodies start growing, their friendships start changing, and they start to question their identity and their place in the world. While teenagers are emotionally vulnerable, adults tend to underestimate the effects of these changes on teens. For most teenagers, this period of time is tough and this affects their mental health.

The good and harm of friendships

When people reach their teenage years they tend to start distancing themselves from their parents and turn to their peers for acceptance. As such, friendships are especially crucial. However, relationships that are supposed to bring them joy can go sideways easily. As teens become more sensitive to bullying, rejection, and exclusion, a detachment from friends can result in sadness and self-doubt, increasing the possibility of getting depression or anxiety.

Body changes

In addition to friendship challenges, teens step into an entirely new stage of growth – puberty. Acne becomes a major problem. Their weight starts to rise dramatically. The changing body can activate positive emotions, but it can also make teens feel anxious. For example, when girls begin to develop breasts and start their menstrual cycles, some are proud and excited about stepping into a new stage in life. On the other hand, some are concerned that they are unprepared to face the sudden change.

The toxicity of social media

Social media plays a huge role in teenagers’ lives today. Teenagers put their lives on display through Instagram and Tiktok. Consequently, they may face cyberbullying and unrealistic beauty standards. Studies have shown the connection between social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The most-liked posts on social media generally feature women who are tall and slim with flawless skin or men who are muscular. As a result, teenagers receive the impression that popularity is gained by fitting the “ideal body type”. This makes them feel anxious or disgusted towards their own bodies if they don’t match those stereotypes. While social media is engrossing to teenagers, it can also be noxious for their mental health.

Why should schools care?

With 20 percent of adolescents suffering from at least one mental health disorder, educators should focus on the importance of student mental health. Educators are not only responsible for inspiring young minds to learn, but also for setting positive examples and helping them to deal with their mental problems when necessary.

Mental health issues can profoundly affect students’ academic performance, relationships, and ability to deal with challenges. Happier students tend to have better relationships with teachers, peers, and parents. Furthermore, they are more capable of handling academic stress. Since students spend most of their day at school and their mental health is tied up with their behavior, schools should definitely pay more attention to student mental health.

Leaving teenagers to deal with their own mental health issues in silence is like forcing them to walk into endless darkness. As responsible educators and adults, we cannot let students feel helpless.

Ways to help students with their mental health issues

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders can affect any individual, even those who thrive at school or those who are surrounded by their friends every single day.

1. Teach students about mental health

Schools should incorporate mental health education into the curriculum to raise awareness and provide resources for students. Many students are fighting a secret battle because they are afraid and ashamed to tell others about their mental illness. Mental health education allows students to see that having mental health disorders does not mean they are fragile, and dealing with mental health issues is nothing to be ashamed of. Students can receive information about where and how to ask for help, the early symptoms of possible mental health disorders, and the treatments for such disorders.

2. Hire professionals and train teachers

Ideally, schools should have professionals like a licensed therapist, school counselor, or school psychologist on staff. These professionals should meet with students and collaborate with subject teachers and parents if required.

Since teachers spend so much time with students, they should also receive some training to help students to deal with their mental illnesses.

Every student goes through different struggles, and it is challenging to provide each one of them with the support they need and proper guidance. However, just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not necessary. Therefore, all schools should pay more attention to mental health.