Every day, students walk into classrooms carrying burdens others can’t even see: stress, anxiety and emotional struggles that many times go unnoticed. Yet, these challenges impact their ability to learn just as much as any academic obstacles.
Mental Health is so often overlooked in our schools, despite its crucial role with student success and well-being. As academic pressure increases each year, students are facing mental health issues at a rapid pace. If we truly want to prepare our students for life beyond the classroom, schools must incorporate courses alongside academics and athletics to ensure that every student has the help and resources that they need.
It is important to recognize the link between mental health and academic success/achievement. Students struggling with mental health issues often find it difficult to focus, stay motivated, or even complete assignments. This then affects their grades and overall academic performance most of the time negatively. Why has it taken so long to do something about this?
Schools have a moral responsibility to step up and play a crucial role in early intervention. Mental health struggles often begin in adolescence, during a period of intense vulnerability to stress, peer pressure, and identity issues. Waiting for students to hit rock bottom is unacceptable. Why not aid them now? Adding daily mental health programs would provide constant, steady support, giving students the tools they need to tackle challenges head-on before they spiral into more serious conditions. No one should have to suffer in silence. Having trained mental health professionals in schools every day ensures that students, regardless of their access to resources, must get the help they need. This isn’t a privilege, it’s a right. Regular mental health check-ins, peer support groups and direct education about mental wellness should be as common as math or history. It’s time to normalize mental health discussions, to openly talk about struggles, and break down the barrier that too often stops young people from seeking help.
Imagine the power of creating an environment where mental health isn’t hidden, but embraced. Think about an Oak Park High School that recognizes their students ‘flaws’ and accepts them. This change is desperately needed. Fostering compassion, empathy, and openness. Schools would become places where students not only learn but feel safe to express their emotions without fear of judgment. Think about how powerful that could be. Students wouldn’t have to battle feelings of isolation or self-doubt alone. Daily mental health initiatives, like group discussions, mindfulness exercises, and even stress-relief workshops, could create a network of supportive, engaged peers who lift each other up.
And it doesn’t just stop there. Teachers and staff would benefit too, gaining the tools to better understand their students. It encourages teachers to create deeper relationships in the classroom. This isn’t just about fixing problems but preventing them before they begin. The ripple effects would be monumental—boosting not only academic performance but also self-confidence, creativity, and social connection.
The OPHS Wellness Center located between the H buildings offers a variety of techniques and sessions that help teens grapple with adolescent’s struggles.
Mental health is so important for high school students. We need to make sure they feel supported and heard. By providing the right help, we can make a big difference in their lives, helping them succeed in school and feel good about themselves. Everyone deserves to feel safe and cared for, and we can all play a role in making that happen.
