By Brenna Krips
Mental health is an essential part of overall well being, but yet it is often overlooked and not discussed enough, especially at school. Schools play a critical role in shaping students’ under-standing of themselves and the world around them. Mental health is just as important as physical health and academic success. Students face many challenges including stress, peer pressure, bullying, family issues, and social media influences, all of which can affect their emotional well-being. Without proper education, many young people may struggle in silence, unsure of how to understand or manage their feelings.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has estimated that at least one out of five students live with some kind of mental disorder or disease, and most do not get help until adulthood. It is estimated that 60% of students in high school that have a mental illness do not graduate, which is very serious.
Bullying plays a crucial role in mental illness as well. Bullying has become extremely common in schools today. Some individuals who bully have mental illnesses themselves, and partake in bullying others to give them some relief. Bullying others can cause the victim to have anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and can feel very isolated. Mandatory mental health education in schools can encourage empathy and understanding. Teaching this can improve classroom behavior, relationships with peers, and make students feel seen and heard.
Mental health is a very important topic that needs to be discussed in school. Mental illness is very common. This topic is especially important to me because I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and anxiety when I was still in elementary school. I have had battles with myself and suicidal idiation. It is very common for people in high school to experience. It’s a battle many kids think they have to just hold deep down inside, but holding it in does much more harm than good. If schools bring more attention to this topic, mental illness will be less overlooked, taken seriously, and help students across the world. You are not alone.
Brenna Krips is a Spring Grove High School student, one of 10 area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 27th year.
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