Mental Health Matters: A Day to Breathe
“For many of us in our senior year, this is a daily reality. The pressure to excel academically, secure a spot in a good college, and meet family expectations feels like an overwhelming burden. The truth is mental health issues among students are increasing, and it's time we take a moment to breathe.”
Imagine waking up to the sound of your alarm, but instead of feeling like you’re well rested, you're already overwhelmed. Well I can relate to that experience. It’s 6 am and my alarm stuns me awake. As I sit up annoyed, I’m immediately bombarded by the thoughts of exams, college list, and the ongoing to-do list where it feels like there's less getting done but ALWAYS more to do!
My heart races, my mind spins just thinking of the day ahead. For many of us in our senior year, this is a daily reality. The pressure to excel academically, secure a spot in a good college, and meet family expectations feels like an overwhelming burden. The truth is mental health issues among students are increasing, and it's time we take a moment to breathe.
Recent studies have highlighted a shocking increase in anxiety and depression among high school students. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 61% of teens report feeling a significant amount of stress during the school year. This stress often stems from a variety of reasons: intense academic competition, looming college deadlines and the constant pressure to excel in extracurricular activities. It is no wonder that many students feel they are constantly running on empty, caught in a cycle of anxiety and burnout.
Reflecting on my own experience, I can't help but recall the week when college applications were due. I found myself skipping classes to work on my essay and finalize my applications. I spent late nights trying to perfect every word. My friends were in the same boat, trading stories about our late night struggles while putting on energized faces at school. We joked about how we were all “failing” at self-care, but deep down we knew we needed the support. Oftentimes however, people are too ashamed to admit just how overwhelmed they really are. This stops here. When I interviewed a couple students at Comp Sci High, some thoughts they had were:
Alyma: “School makes me feel overwhelmed. I have to fit expectations of my personal life with school & I don't have time for interests outside of school. School gave me that shadow of being overwhelmed. I’m drained. I constantly have to keep tabs on my work, I can't gather my thoughts, it’s like a non stop merry go round. I compare myself to the freedom others enjoy. I don’t have a life, school has shaped my life…”
Fatou: “School sets us up for good opportunities but it can be stressful at times due to the lengthy assignments.”
Liana: “It is unfair, there should be a limit in the amount of work teachers are giving to students. It's honestly too much at times. We should have days where we can take a chill pill. Even reading blocks, we get really tired and it's draining and starts to feel like a burden. We can spend time in school addressing these matters in order to promote more efficient learning.”
In the midst of all this chaos, there’s a critical conversation that needs to happen. We must recognize the importance of mental health in our education system. “Taking a day to breathe” shouldn't be seen as a luxury but as a necessity for a student's well-being. Schools need to create an environment where mental health is prioritized alongside academic achievement. This means incorporating policy that encourage breaks, promote self-care practices, and provide access to mental health resources.
Many of us are juggling not just academics, but family responsibilities as well. Balancing homework with chores, part time jobs, and family expectations can be exhausting. I often find myself helping my younger siblings with their homework white trying to finish my own. It’s rewarding but also tiring. The pressure to maintain the good grades while being a supportive family member can sometimes feel impossible. As students, we need our teachers and administrators to understand these realities, allowing for flexibility and compassion when students are struggling. To add on, schools should integrate mental health education into the curriculum or something to promote fun learning. Just as we learn about history and math, we should also learn about emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms.
Afteralll, knowledge is power and understanding our mental health can empower us to take control of our lives. As we move forward, I encourage my peers, educators, and parents to engage in this conversation. We must must create a culture that values well being. When students feel supported and understood, they are most likely to thrive academically and emotionally. So, let’s make a collective effort to recognize the importance of “taking a day to breathe”. It’s not just about surviving high school, it’s about truly living it.
In conclusion, the pressures of being a student today are undeniable, but we can change the narrative. By promoting mental health awareness and self-care practices, we can create a healthier environment for ourselves and future generations. Think about what environment you want your siblings to be around or maybe even one day your own kids. The next time you feel overwhelmed, remember that it’s okay to take a step back and breathe. Your mental health matters, and it’s time we all start treating it like a priority.