For years, we have been up against a mental health crisis, in which struggles with anxiety, depression, stress, and other related conditions have become the new norm. Millions of people are burdened by mental illness, including our friends, family members, neighbors, and colleagues. But what many do not realize is that this crisis is also heavily affecting our youth. According to new data from the CDC, the mental health of high school students is getting worse. In 2023, almost one-third of high school students self-reported “poor mental health.” Even more, about 40 percent, reported feeling consistently sad or hopeless. Alarmingly, one in five teens has seriously considered suicide.

High school students are navigating a lot more daily challenges than we might realize. On top of the physical and neurological changes happening during adolescence, teenagers are also trying to establish their identities, fit into social circles, plan for their futures, do well in school, and stay safe while there. What’s more – they are doing this without the coping and problem-solving skills that we have as adults.

As cited by Education Week, the most common factors contributing to poor mental health in high school students today are as follows:

• High school-related stress and anxiety, such as the pressure to finish homework, get good grades, or pass an exam. About 62 percent of students agree these factors have a negative impact on their mental health.
• Concerns about future success. About one-third of high school students carry concerns about getting into college or establishing themselves in a career. 
• Concerns about physical appearance and/or how they are perceived by others. As teenagers care a lot about fitting in with others, and being accepted by peers, 42 percent agree this pressure adds up to have a negative effect on their mental well-being.
• Stresses within existing social circles. On top of meeting new friends and fitting in socially, teens also face stress within current relationships. 25 percent of teenagers feel that their friends or romantic relationships negatively impact their mental health, and another 17 percent believe family is a factor. Notably, about 17 percent of students feel anxious about seeing any peers at school, likely due to social anxiety disorder.
• Personal safety and bullying. A devastating number of teenagers have to worry about their safety inside and outside of school, and many have been threatened or injured even while on campus. According to Ed Week, one-quarter of high school students fear for their physical safety, and, based on CDC data from 2023, roughly 35 percent revealed they were victims of bullying.
• Societal issues and news. Macro factors like political turmoil, social injustices, climate change, and scary events happening in the world today also place great stress on young students. At least one in five teenagers agree that this negatively impacts their mental state.

Again, the above factors all fall on top of the biological and developmental factors burdening high school students. Teenagers undergo major changes physically and mentally—and as Mitch Prinstein, chief science officer for the American Psychological Association (APA) explains, “There’s a biological mismatch between how the human body matures in adolescence and the society for which it’s maturing.” In other words, teens are being exposed to higher expectations than they were built for, and often do not have the skillsets to take on modern challenges.

So, how can we help our youth – and specifically high school students – feel more supported mentally? How can we improve the health and well-being of these students, and equip them with the skills needed to cope with everyday stress? We explore possible strategies below.

Promoting Better Mental Health in High School

One of the best ways we can flip the current mental health crisis in high schools is to ensure students feel supported and understood within the school system. School should always be a safe place for students, but too often it becomes a place of anxiety and contention. If you are an educator, school counselor, administrator, or other faculty member, there are steps you can take to help reverse this narrative and provide mental health resources for students within school walls. 

For example, school faculty members can:

• Open up conversations around mental health—and normalize talking about any issues that arise. 
• Offer safe and confidential environments where students can talk (with a trusted adult) about any struggles they are currently facing.
• Know the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in teenagers, so that they can effectively identify issues and take action when needed.
• Promote mindfulness techniques and other coping mechanisms to help students feel grounded when facing anxieties.
• Provide therapeutic interventions, refer families to mental health treatment providers, or facilitate access to similar resources if and when needed.
• Work hard to keep school a safe space, by monitoring conflict between students, enforcing anti-bullying policies, increasing security on campus, offering health and counseling services, and ensuring students have a safe place to go to within the school walls.
• Increasing connectedness for students, as connectedness is one of the top protective factors for mental health in students. Feelings of belonging help prevent poor mental health, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and violence according to the CDC. However, only half of students report feeling close connections to others at school.

Promoting Better Mental Health for Teens at Home

While a lot of solutions can stem from schools themselves, parents and families should also ensure they are promoting helpful mental health practices at home. If you are a parent, this should include:

• Modelling positive behaviors that support mental health. This includes prioritizing self-care, creating balance in your schedules, and fueling your body with healthy foods and regular movement. 
• Modelling healthy coping methods in times of stress. Additionally, when things get tough at home, show your teen how to effectively manage stress, regulate emotions, and challenge negative thinking.
• Validating your teen’s feelings and experiences. Do not dismiss or ignore your teen, but rather, listen to them and empathize with what they are going through. 
• Encouraging open communication. Let your teenager know that you will always be there to talk, without judgement, and ensure they feel safe and comfortable at home.
• Staying involved in your teenager’s life. Not only should you keep up on their daily life, by asking what’s going on and what’s bothering them, do your best to show interest in their friends, activities, and challenges.
• Educating them about mental health and seek help when needed. It’s important for your teenager to be aware of their own mental health—including when it feels good and when it feels out of sorts. Teach them about the signs of mental distress and, if you notice anything off, do not hesitate to intervene. Therapy can be incredibly beneficial for high school students who are trying to navigate big (and small) changes in their lives.

Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider for teenagers and young adults, with inpatient and outpatient programs available. If you are looking for professional support for your teenager, or simply would like to speak with a mental health specialist, please do not hesitate to contact us. Call 877-581-1793 to learn more.