Mental Health in Schools: Why It Matters for Students of All Ages
Key takeaways:
Many students struggle with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and social phobia.
Schools are in an ideal position to provide mental health services onsite including counseling, assessments, and prevention.
Paying attention to mental health in schools breaks barriers to care like stigma, access, and transportation.
Mental health issues are common in children across the U.S. In fact, about 1 in 6 children have a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. Schools can address these issues because they interact with children almost daily.
That’s why it’s important for schools to provide mental health services. They can identify early warning signs, provide support, and coordinate care with parents.
What factors affect students’ mental health?
Kids have it kind of rough these days. As they grow physically, emotionally, and socially, we want them to develop into mentally healthy young people. But some kids don’t have a good support system to guide them along the way. Their home life may be unstable, or they may struggle with their identity and have no one to talk to. They may also experience a significant number of adverse childhood experiences.
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Then there are influences like technology and social media. Research tells us that too much screen time can contribute to anxiety and depression, disrupt healthy sleep, and lead to cyberbullying and a distorted body image.
Unfortunately, a lot of kids aren’t getting treated for mental health conditions. A National Survey of Children’s Health found that of the 7.7 million children with at least one mental health disorder in the U.S., only half got help from a healthcare provider. That means there are a lot of school-aged kids struggling mentally without support.
Schools can do their part by becoming aware of factors that can affect a student’s mental health, such as school stressors, home and family challenges, and traumatic events.
School stressors
Several factors related to school itself can affect students’ mental health. These may include:
Difficulty adjusting to school routines
Academic struggles
Peer relationships
Unsafe school environments
Home and family challenges
Stressors at home don’t stop when children reach the classroom. Home and family challenges can affect student mental health, including:
Family history of mental illness
Harsh parenting
Poverty
Difficult living conditions
Lack of access to supports and services
Belonging to a marginalized ethnic group
Parental separation related to divorce, incarceration, or immigration
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Traumatic events
Trauma can also affect kids’ mental health at school. Examples of trauma children may experience include:
Abuse
Neglect
Exposure to violence
Sexual abuse
Loss of a loved one
Racial discrimination
What are the most common mental health problems in students?
Children and teens struggle with a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, alcohol or substance misuse, suicidal thoughts, behavior problems, and eating disorders.
Anxiety
Many children have fears and worries that can disrupt school life. For example, they may worry about the future or fear social situations at school.
Depression
Children who feel helpless and hopeless may be depressed. They may have a hard time paying attention and be sluggish at school.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can make it difficult for children to sit still and pay attention. The condition can lead to behavior and academic problems at school.
Alcohol or substance misuse
Students who engage in underage drinking and drug use typically have other mental health problems. Their substance misuse may be an attempt to self-medicate. These kids are less likely to graduate or pursue college degrees and are more likely to drop out of school.
Suicidal thoughts
Some kids who struggle with mental health issues may harm themselves or consider suicide. In fact, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 34.
Behavior problems
Some students act out at school by arguing with teachers, bullying other students, or skipping school. They may have mental health issues such as:
Children with these disorders often break school rules and don’t get along with other kids.
Eating disorders
The number of children and adolescents with eating disorders is a significant concern. These kids may struggle with low self-esteem, depression, and pressure to change how their body looks.
What does good mental health in school look like?
In 2022, President Joe Biden pledged funding to expand school mental health services across the country. Funds will be used for schools to hire more counselors, social workers, and other mental health professions.
The initiative will enhance services already in place in many schools, such as:
Individual counseling by a school social worker, counselor, or psychologist
Case management to coordinate mental health services
Referrals to outside service providers
Mental health screenings
Telehealth therapy
Some schools also integrate social-emotional learning through mental health literacy programs. These programs raise awareness about mental health issues through their curriculum.
Benefits of mental health services in schools
Offering mental health services in schools can:
Make counseling easily accessible
Give counselors a chance to detect issues early and provide treatment
Reduce concerns about treatment cost to parents
Remove barriers to accessing care, such as mental health stigma or lack of transportation
Get parents and teachers involved
Improve children’s emotional and behavioral difficulties
Raise math and reading scores
Mental health resources for schools
There are many organizations that offer free tools and guides for parents, teachers, and counselors. They include:
The bottom line
Students struggle with a wide range of mental health issues, and schools can play a critical role in the mental health and well-being of their students. They can provide mental health counseling, mental health screenings, and prevention strategies in a familiar environment.
Children who receive mental health services in school are more likely to remain engaged and less likely to skip school and take risks. If parents, teachers, and counselors work together, it’s possible for students to feel better about themselves and the world around them.
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References
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For additional resources or to connect with mental health services in your area, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. For immediate assistance, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
