The current generation of students has never experienced such an extreme amount of pressure and anxiety. The pressures associated with school: heavy workloads, expectations from peers and society, sports and other extra-curricular after school activities, and additional responsibilities such as family and employment, all contribute to an increased amount of anxiety and emotional distress in students.
Teachers and counselors agree that there is no doubt that students are overwhelmed emotionally and academically. Both teachers and counselors have seen many high school and middle school students lose sight of what is important in life and become unbalanced in all aspects of their lives.
Mr. Cullen Mosher, high school counselor, noted that the biggest issue facing his high school students is “stress”. “Most students are consumed with thinking about things too much and becoming overwhelmed by daily activities,” he stated.
High school students must carry full course-loads, make plans for college, and many times hold down part-time jobs while handling other family responsibilities. As a result of carrying so many responsibilities, students exceed healthy limitations of both physical and emotional capacity and become exhausted and burned out.
Mosher further stated that excessive stress can negatively impact students’ both physically and mentally. Overwhelmed students can feel as though they are being pulled in many different directions, fail to meet deadlines, lose motivation, and suffer from chronic sleep loss. If students are unable to find effective ways to handle the load that they have been given, he believes that the negative effects of stress can compound rapidly.
In addition to recognizing the problems that students face, teachers and counselors have a significant role in identifying those students who may have some type of mental health concern. According to Mosher, withdrawal from friends or notable changes in social behavior can be early indicators of possible mental health concerns. “If a student withdraws from social interactions or displays behaviors that are drastically different than those that they typically display, it could indicate that the student is experiencing stress or another mental health concern,” he said.
Similar issues can be identified at the middle school level; however, students are developing and changing at a faster rate than their high school counterparts. Ms. Jaime Fong reported that relationship difficulties, emotional regulation, and conflicts with peers are the most common issues in the middle school population. “This is a period of substantial emotional and social transition,” she said. “Middle schoolers are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit into the larger picture.”
Fong further stated that middle schoolers experience a wide range of emotional shifts and are attempting to establish a degree of independence and emotional control while building relationships with their peers and teachers. Although these are typical developmental experiences, they can be overwhelming if the student does not receive the support of a trusted adult.
Both counselors agreed that establishing healthy coping strategies and forming positive relationships are critical elements in helping students to deal with stress and mental health challenges. At the high school level, Mosher encourages students to utilize time management skills such as working in concentrated blocks of time followed by brief periods of rest to give their minds a break. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining social relationships. Often, peers represent the first line of support for students.
At the middle school level, Fong addresses emotional awareness. She teaches her students to identify and acknowledge their emotions, evaluate their surroundings, and develop a strategy to address their emotional state. “It’s about meeting the student where they are,” she said.
Both counselors emphasize the availability of support services for students who require assistance. High school counselors provide individualized counseling and refer students to external agencies when needed. However, students often express reluctance to seek assistance due to a fear of seeking help. “It is okay to feel nervous about asking for help,” Mosher said. “However, seeking help demonstrates courage, not cowardice.” Fong echoed this sentiment and suggested to students that they begin by making small steps toward receiving support and that they understand they are not alone.
As the issues surrounding mental health continue to impact students at every grade level, educators stress the significance of understanding, communication, and providing support. In addition to recognizing the warning signs of potential mental health issues, supporting students in seeking help will aid in creating environments in which students can achieve academic success and emotional wellness.
