For teenagers, anxiety, stress, and loneliness are often daily challenges. There’s a lot to worry about in high school – grades, friends, family, jobs, and big decisions all come into play. But beyond the anxiety that comes with a big test, or first-day-of-school jitters, many high school students are struggling with much deeper issues.
Around 20% of teenagers in the US have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, and a significant number go undiagnosed. We’re struggling to come down from a significant spike in mental health issues immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise of social media provides us with endless distractions. It’s difficult to feel like this isn’t a hopeless issue – in fact, according to the CDC, 40% of our country’s high school students reported persistent sadness and hopelessness.
However, there are many groups noticing and taking steps to connect teenagers with the help they need. Within our own community, organizations like Common Ground and New Oakland offer support. But closest to home are our very own teachers and staff at RHS. “Mental health extends beyond just the individual,” says counselor Mrs. O’Toole-Seyka. “At Rochester High, we’re trying to define ourselves as a family and to be more connected to each other.”
Across the country, high schools are providing on-site services, linking students to mental health professionals, and educating students about emotional resilience. Disheartening statistics are being met with proactive responses from educators – “We have social workers here,” says Mrs. O’Toole-Seyka. “We have super caring teachers. Teachers are, like, the front lines for the entire school. They will reach out to a counselor if they see something or have a concern. Our admin team tries to engage as much as they can by being in the hallways and connecting with kids.”
In today’s society of decreasing connectedness, RHS is promoting a ‘falcon family’ way of thinking.
On a national level, only half of schools report being able to meet the mental health needs of students – this could involve difficulty with on-site crisis intervention, referring out to other professionals, or other initiatives. Limited funding, staff, or other resources can all contribute. However, progress is being made as over 90% of US high schools provide at least one kind of mental health service.
As the last decades have been bringing more and more attention to mental and physical wellness, our schools are adapting. RHS understands that a school – where students spend thousands of hours of their lives – should feel like a safe and supportive space. Mrs. O’Toole-Seyka says, “The counseling team here works very, very hard. And every single day is different for us.” As the pandemic still lingers for many, our tangible school experience should be appreciated, and efforts to connect to one another should be made. “Teenagers get to be teenagers once in their life,” she says. “They don’t need to be every single thing and do every single thing . . . I think sometimes kids feel overwhelmed that they have to do it all in a short, finite amount of time in high school, but they don’t. They also get to enjoy life – you know, have fun with your friends, go outside, and have a social life.”
High school is a period of time that involves intense changes, which can lead to perceived pressure, anxiety, and other mental challenges. As we begin turning to face this head-on, however, it’s important to remember that friends and mentors from a school setting provide important support – and that at the end of the day, we all have a Falcon Family!
