Student Mental Health: An Underestimated Epidemic in Our Schools

Written By Liz Cardenas

In the bustling halls and classrooms of our schools, a silent epidemic is spreading that often goes unnoticed and underestimated: the student mental health crisis. Despite a growing awareness around mental health globally, its impact in schools remains a less-explored topic, and educational institutions often lack sufficient tools to identify and address the warning signs.

Statistics reveal a concerning trend: a significant proportion of young individuals face mental health challenges, yet schools, the very places meant to nurture and educate them, often don’t have the resources or understanding to offer the support students need. The reality is stark—mental health issues in schools are not just prevalent, they are severely underestimated.

 

“In 2018–2019, about 15% of teens aged 12–17 had a major depressive episode; 37% had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness; and nearly 20% reported that they seriously considered suicide.” — NIH, National Center for Biotechnology Information

 

“Between 2016 and 2020, the number of children aged 3–17 diagnosed with depression grew by 27%.” — HRSA, Health Resources and Services Administration

Recognizing the Red Flags

The first step toward addressing this crisis is recognizing the alarm bells you might not be able to hear. Changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from social interactions, noticeable declines in academic performance, and changes in eating or sleeping patterns, can all be indicators of underlying mental health issues. Emotional symptoms might include increased irritability, feelings of hopelessness, or heightened sensitivity to criticism. Physical symptoms could manifest as unexplained aches and pains or a significant change in energy levels.

 

“Seventy percent of schools have reported an uptick in students asking for mental health services since the pandemic started.” — Washington Post

Recognizing these red flags is just the first step. If you’re a parent or educator and notice that something is wrong, do you know what to do?

 

Partnering with Teen Mental Health Professionals

Acknowledging the presence of these signs is crucial, but knowing how to respond is equally important.

Schools must proactively seek partnerships with therapists, counselors, and coaches who specialize in child and adolescent mental health. These professionals can provide the expertise and support needed to help students navigate their challenges more effectively. By integrating these partnerships into their educational frameworks, schools can create a more supportive and understanding environment for all students.

There are some wonderful initiatives and projects such as NAMI Ending the Silence, but more such initiatives are desperately needed and often aren’t accessible to all schools that could benefit the most. Plus, much of the time, the programs that are available do not take a holistic approach that integrates self-development and mindfulness, which are key components of physical and mental wellbeing, even for young people.

The Importance of Helping Teens Connect with the Self

In today’s digital age, connecting with the self has become even more crucial—yet more challenging—to achieve. The surge in technology use has inadvertently led to a disconnect, both from our inner selves and from those around us. This disconnect is particularly evident in school environments, where the curriculum often overlooks the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

Teaching students to connect with their inner selves is not just beneficial, it’s necessary for their overall wellbeing. This connection fosters lifelong resilience, increased empathy, and a deeper understanding of their thoughts and emotions..

“Uncovering the ‘inner sacred space’—a place of self-awareness, peace, and potential that exists within everyone—helps us navigate the complexities of life with greater ease and confidence.” — Liz Cardenas

Implementing Change in Schools for Better Student Outcomes

For schools to become havens for students that promote mental wellbeing, we need to make systemic changes. This involves not only recognizing how prevalent mental health issues really are, but also implementing comprehensive, holistic strategies to address them:

  • Schools need to integrate mental health education into their curricula

  • Teachers must emphasize the importance of relational and emotional intelligence and our connectedness to the environment

  • Administrators need to train teachers and staff on how to better identify and respond to mental health issues

  • Whenever possible, schools should prioritize the hiring and availability of on-site mental health professionals

“With roughly only 35,000 psychologists in schools across the nation, we have about a third of the workforce that we need.” — Kelly Vaillancourt Strobach, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the National Association of School Psychologists

 

The mental health crisis in schools is spreading like wildfire, and it demands our immediate attention and action. By recognizing the warning signs, partnering with mental health professionals, and teaching students the importance of connecting with their inner selves, we can begin to address this issue head-on. Together, we can transform our schools into environments where every student feels understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.

 

If you or someone you know is experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

 

Go further and read our article about
The Art of Intuitive Therapy vs. Traditional Therapy Techniques

Liz Cardenas https://www.lizcardenastherapy.com
Previous

The Seven Chakras: A Guide to Their Meanings and their Scientific Connections
Next

Illuminating Healing Paths: The Art of Intuitive Therapy vs. Traditional Therapy Techniques