Mental Health In School Communities
Updated: Nov 4, 2024
Teenagers navigate a variety of challenges, from academic pressures to social relationships and self-discovery. Because most adolescent brains are still developing, teens are more susceptible to stress and anxiety. Mental health issues, if left unaddressed, can have a strong impact on academic performance, personal connections, and general well-being.
Guidance counselors play an important role in encouraging mental health awareness within high schools. They serve as a connection between students, parents, and educators, as they offer a safe space for teenagers to discuss their problems and concerns. Counselors are trained to recognize signs of distress within students, so they can provide early intervention and support. They can guide students towards helpful resources, like therapy and support groups.
When asking Alexa, our guidance counselor, to describe her job, she explains that it is to “...ensure that students are able to get through the school day with the most success possible.” She provides students with security and a “safe space” who might be going through an event that they need help navigating. “I provide support and a safe space for students who are feeling things emotionally… and help them through the day.” Her role in our school community is to “...be as integrated into the school as possible.” Her job “...holds a lot of different responsibilities,” like being an advisor, seminar leader, and counselor. She has a necessary “open door policy”, that allows students to feel more welcomed by her. Her job is important to her because she “...always wants students to feel seen.” Alexa reflected on her high school years, and said,, “There were times when I felt invisible. I think that it’s really important to have a school counselor to look for students who are possibly struggling, and overlooked by classroom teachers”. Her job is really important to the school because “...it’s really hard for students to focus on the education part of school when there are other things going on. High School is hard and it’s always wonderful to have a space that is judgment-free - a calm safe space”.
One of the strengths of guidance counselors lies within their ability to provide personalized support. By establishing a trusting relationship, counselors can identify potential stressors and help students develop healthy coping mechanisms. This approach addresses mental health concerns on an individual level, recognizing the unique circumstances of each child.
Guidance counselors also play a key role in integrating mental health education into the school curriculum. By creating an open dialogue about mental health, schools can encourage a community filled with empathy and understanding towards students with different needs. Workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns organized by guidance counselors can help contribute to a more inclusive and supportive school community.
Citation : Photo
Rapaport, Amie, and Daniel Silver. “National Survey Findings Shed Light on Dimensions of Teen Mental Health Concerns.” USC Schaeffer, 11 Nov. 2022, healthpolicy.usc.edu/evidence-base/national-survey-findings-shed-light-on-dimensions-of-teen-mental-health-concerns/.
