Mental health disorders are becoming one of the biggest challenges facing students today. Anxiety, depression, stress, and other conditions affect millions of students worldwide and can make school feel overwhelming. Despite how common these conditions are, many students still struggle in silence because they fear being judged. Raising awareness about mental health can help students feel supported, reduce stigma, and encourage more people to seek help when they need it.
Mental health disorders are a growing concern among teenagers, yet many students still do not receive support. Anxiety and depression are among the most common conditions affecting adolescents, and when left untreated, these disorders can negatively impact academic achievement, friendships, and
physical health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Nearly 1 in 7 people in the world live with a mental disorder.”
Despite how common these conditions are, many students avoid seeking help because they fear judgment or believe they must handle their struggles alone. The stigma surrounding mental health often causes students to feel isolated and misunderstood. Mental health disorders affect students in different ways depending on the condition. Anxiety disorders often cause excessive fear and worry, making it difficult for adolescents to participate in social activities or focus in class. Depression commonly involves persistent feelings of hopelessness and a loss of interest in activities that students once enjoyed. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may cause difficulties with concentration, organization, and impulse control, which can negatively
affect academic performance.
These examples represent only a few common symptoms associated with mental health disorders, as experiences can vary widely between individuals. Because each disorder presents unique challenges, students need understanding, appropriate support, and access to effective treatment.
Despite the benefits of a mental health care system, some may argue that supporting mental health should not be the school’s priority, and schools lack the proper funding for a substantial counseling program. Critics argue that schools should focus on academics and education, which has been the school’s focus.
“Up until 10 years ago, schools didn’t have mental health counselors,” said Franklyn Belsy, a Mental Health Specialist at Woodbridge High.
Schools were operating successfully without needing the mental health programs. Staff do not need to take on jobs that belong to healthcare or parents, and those jobs can also siphon money that could go to other school sectors. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics reported that 39% of schools in 2021-22 lack funding and have inadequate access to licensed mental health professionals.
Evidently, as the critics argue, schools should be focusing more funding and resources on education and other parts of the school as their budgets are tightening and mental health specialists are becoming rarer.
However, this argument is flawed, as a student’s mental health directly affects their academics.
“So, like, if you keep missing the first period, you’re not gonna learn what’s in the first period class… they look at [Aeries], and they see they got a low grade that causes them stress. And then, they got lower grades. Now they’re depressed about their low grades…” confirms Belsey as he provides an example of a vicious cycle without mental health support.
If students are struggling with mental health disorders, it can cause them to miss out on education, for which no amount of academic funding will ever make up for this student to learn effectively. In addition, the argument that schools can’t afford to sustain a mental health program is simply untrue, as school districts have found ways to overcome budget constraints.
In the 2026-2027 school year, the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative will allow IUSD schools to “bill health insurance for certain school-based mental health services,” as Ms.
Ballard says. In short, since the bill allows schools to use available insurance funds instead of pulling money from their academic funds, it proves that schools can financially sustain mental health programs without sacrificing their educational resources.
One effective solution for improving student mental health is to expand school-based programs that raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage students to seek help early. Schools can enhance counseling services, implement comprehensive mental health education, and support student-led initiatives that foster open conversations about mental health.
Research demonstrates that these programs are effective. For example, a National Institutes of Health study found that school-based anti-stigma interventions improved students’ attitudes and increased their willingness to seek help by reducing “social distance,” meaning students became more accepting of peers with mental health conditions.
Additionally, the Orange County Department of Education reports that the Student Advocates for Mental Health (SAMH) program reached approximately 30,000 students in one year, with over 90% of participants indicating they learned something new and now know where to seek help. These results highlight how school mental health programs can improve awareness,
reduce stigma, and help students feel more supported.
Mental health disorders are a serious issue that affects many students every day, yet too many young people still struggle without support. Schools should take action by providing more mental health resources, reducing stigma, and creating safe environments where students feel comfortable asking for help.
