Mental Health in Schools (Synthesis)
It’s no surprise that school can be stressful. There’s so much pressure from almost every angle to do well. Teenagers can be awful to each other. Parents don’t understand this generation. Technology has added another layer of complications. The damaging effects of school on adolescent mental health have increased significantly throughout the generations.
In 2016 alone, it’s estimated that 2.2 million teens suffered a severe depressive episode that greatly impaired their everyday lives, 60% of which received no medical treatment (Monroe). Mental health is a very slippery slope. Left untreated, symptoms can reoccur and become worse. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly depression, stops many from even considering getting help. The fact that so many people suffer in silence is heartbreaking.
A large majority of the causes of mental health issues stem from schools. “Schools must recognize that is is not competition and hard work that causes stress and mental health issues among their students, rather fear and anxiety” (Tait). The fear of disappointing teachers and the anxiety of not being good enough is what drives effort in students. That’s not healthy. It often seems that schools ignore the feelings of students and think it’s just hormones until something bad happens. Focusing on the causes instead of the symptoms of mental health disorders can help stop them before they become an issue. It’s only fair to students’ safety that something be done to fix this epidemic before it’s too late.
Monroe, Jamison. “Adolescent Depression in Schools.” Newport Academy, Newport Academy, 31 July 2018, www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/adolescent-depression-in-schools/.
Tait, Peter. “‘Causes of Growing Mental Health Problems Sit Largely within Schools’.” The Telegraph, Telegraph Media Group, 2 Dec. 2015, www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationopinion/12025711/Schools-largely-to-blame-for-rising-mental-health-issues.html.
