VOICES Op-Ed - Olivia

School-Based Mental Health From a Student’s Perspective

Mental health is an essential part of students’ well-being. It includes their social, emotional, and psychological wellness and affects how they think, feel, and act. Supporting student mental health in schools is crucial to academics because students’ well-being affects their energy level, their ability to concentrate, and their academic performance. I had trouble managing my emotions and communicating how I felt, and my struggles with these issues made my school experience very difficult. Last year, I expressed a need for help to my parents, and, thankfully, with support, I have come a long way. 

Unfortunately, my experience isn’t what normally happens. According to Mental Health America, in 2017-18, approximately 31,000 Alabama youth experienced a major depressive episode. Only about 30% ever received treatment. Most people aren’t aware of how common mental health issues are among students and how hard those struggles can be. One in every five K-12 youth meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental condition. Annually, about one third of adolescents report symptoms of anxiety. Half of mental conditions start before the age of 14, and 75% appear by age 24. 

Mental health support in schools needs to be improved. Right now, we don’t have the people on campus that students need. While there are counselors to help with academic problems, they are not able to handle all mental health issues that students may have. Most school counselors are there to prepare students for college and career choices and aren’t available to give advice and assist students with mental health concerns. Plus, a school counselor may be required to tell parents what is discussed. Students having major issues -- especially at home -- may not want their concerns shared. Having licensed therapists and psychologists available to students would ensure confidentiality and permit students to deal with what was bothering them. 

My mother likes to say, “We have check-ups for our bodies, eyes, and teeth, so why shouldn’t we have check-ups for our emotional, psychological, and mental well-being?” I agree. That’s why we need to change how we support student mental health in schools. Having more mental health professionals on campus would make mental wellness more routine. Their presence would diminish the negative stereotype around getting support. Students would see early on that it is normal and okay to get help working through their issues. 

A school system that provided school-based licensed therapists would also improve students’ attitudes and performance in school. Access to professionals could prevent so many negative incidents from happening, including fights, bullying, and self-harm. Students would have a trustworthy adult they could go to that could help them to manage and cope with stressful situations. It would also help those who have limited access to mental health support due to the barriers of location or cost. Finally, therapists in school would help the learning environment. It would help students to see school in a more positive light -- as a place where they are valued and supported. As leaders think about how best to support student mental health as schools return to in-person learning, I hope that they keep these ideas in mind.

-Olivia, Birmingham Area High School Student