By: Tricia Desroches

Students encounter many difficulties in the stressful and demanding environment that we call school, which can be very harmful to their mental health. The impact of mental health on students is an important and frequently overlooked part of school life, ranging from social expectations to academic restrictions. Having poor mental health can be an interference with grades and a student’s social life.

Academic performance is one of the most immediate effects of mental health on students. Anxiety and depression are two mental health conditions that can make it difficult for students to concentrate, focus, and retain knowledge. Students may struggle to finish assignments by the deadline, do well on tests, or meet deadlines, which can create a downward spiral of stress and poor academic performance.

Cognitive function is greatly impacted by mental health, which has an impact on memory, judgment, and problem-solving abilities. Students who are struggling with mental health issues may find it difficult to focus in class, process information, and organize their ideas. These could affect their success in school and the overall learning process.

Mental health has significant effects on the social side of student life. Disorders like depression or social anxiety can cause isolation, which makes it hard for students to connect to others. Mental health problems can be made worse by a shortage of social support, which can lead to a continuous pattern of distress and isolation

Students who face mental health issues frequently turn to unhealthy coping strategies including substance abuse or self-harm. Due to the pressures of school and the stigma associated with mental health issues, adolescents may turn to these dangerous habits as a coping mechanism for their emotional difficulties.

Sleep patterns can be disturbed by mental health problems, which can result in insomnia or irregular sleeping habits. Fatigue, a decrease in focus, and aggravation are all effects of a lack of sleep that add up to a reduction in overall health.  Ignoring mental health issues in the early stages of school can have long-term effects. Adults with persistent mental health issues may find it difficult to pursue and keep a career, build relationships, and lead satisfying lives. 

Students’ mental health is a difficult subject that calls for a broad and caring approach. Through addressing mental health issues in educational settings, we can build an environment that promotes children’s overall development and builds resilience and well-being that lasts well beyond their time in school. To enable kids to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential, mental health must be acknowledged and given top priority in the classroom.