Mental Health in Schools: Gen Z’s Advocacy for Better Support

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Almost half of young people say they feel very or extremely down¹. This shows how badly we need more mental health help in schools. Gen Z is at the forefront, pushing for better mental health services in education.

Gen Z is different from past groups. They openly talk about their feelings. This has led to more and more open chats about mental health². They are not afraid to get help, changing how many view therapy and overall mental health.

The pandemic made the need for mental health support even greater. It caused more anxiety, sadness, and addiction to smartphones among Gen Z³. In reply, there are now more efforts by the youth for the youth in mental health². This includes more programs where those who understand help out, making the support better.

Gen Z’s fight for mental health is bigger than just one person. They’re working to change things on a bigger scale. This includes fighting for laws and spreading the word more than older generations². Their work aims to solve the real problems, not just treat the symptoms.

Your help can change so much. By valuing the voices of young people in designing mental health care, we can make big improvements. Imagine a world where schools have all the help needed for mental health.

Key Takeaways

• Gen Z is leading mental health advocacy in schools
• Nearly half of young people report moderate to extreme depression
• The pandemic has worsened mental health issues among Gen Z
• Youth-led initiatives and peer support programs are on the rise
• Gen Z combines individual efforts with systemic activism
• Advocacy focuses on addressing root causes of mental health challenges
• Support for youth voices is crucial in shaping future mental health systems

Understanding Gen Z’s Mental Health Landscape

Gen Z is facing new mental health challenges because of today’s digital world. Always being connected comes with unique pressures. These pressures heavily influence their mental health.

The prevalence of anxiety and depression

Gen Z often struggles with anxiety and depression. Nascent research shows a 47% anxiety rate and a 22% depression rate⁴. These numbers underline the need for more mental health support for the youth.

Factors contributing to mental health challenges

Several issues are impacting Gen Z’s mental health. Economic unknowns, climate concerns, and the influence of social media are key contributors⁵. They worry a lot about the future, money, work, friends, and dating⁶.

The impact of social media and digital life

Social media has both positive and negative effects. It allows for important conversations but also leads to stress. Perhaps most alarmingly, 61% of Gen Z has been diagnosed with anxiety⁶.

But there’s hope. Many from Gen Z are open to getting professional help. In fact, 53% have seen a mental health professional, and 40% regularly visit a therapist⁶. This openness to support is changing how we view mental health care and driving advocacy efforts forward⁵.

The Polycrisis: Coming of Age in Turbulent Times

Gen Z is growing up amid a series of crises. Known as the “polycrisis,” these challenges greatly impact mental health. This term has been used since the 1970s to show how interconnected our world’s problems are⁷.

Climate change, pandemics, and financial worry are all happening at once. Their effects don’t just stack up; they make each other worse. For example, the COVID-19 outbreak made learning and seeing friends harder, which affected mental health⁷.

In this digital age, we’re flooded with negative news. Young people are especially affected by climate change’s threats. There’s the fear of new diseases and major shifts in our environment. This creates a lot of worry about what’s next.

Dangers facing the world are getting bigger. As a result, mental health support needs to improve. Your generation understands these issues well. But, it’s also hit harder by the mental side effects. Anxiety and depression rates among young people have been going up⁸.

Surviving today’s challenges means being strong. Yet, it’s okay to ask for help and look for ways to make things better. Just know, many are in this with you⁸⁹⁷.

Breaking the Stigma: Gen Z’s Openness to Mental Health Discussions

Gen Z is shaping how we talk about mental health. This group, over 60 million strong, is more open about their struggles¹⁰. They’re also more likely to seek help than past generations.

Shifting attitudes towards therapy and counseling

Gen Z is changing the game when it comes to mental health. They’re more open to therapy, with 37% reporting they’ve been treated. In comparison, 35% of Millennials and 26% of Gen X have¹⁰. They’re altering our perspective on getting mental health support.

The role of social media in mental health awareness

Social media has a big impact on Gen Z’s mental health views. It makes talking about these issues more common and reduces stigma¹⁰. But it also contributes to anxiety in 47% of Gen Z and depression in 22% often¹¹.

Gen Z’s willingness to seek professional help

For Gen Z, getting help is seen as a show of strength¹⁰. This is key, especially since 65% of Gen Z has faced mental health issues in the past two years¹¹. Their attitude towards mental health is something future generations can learn from.

“Mental health is not just a personal issue; it’s a societal one. Gen Z’s openness is paving the way for better support systems and understanding.”

As Gen Z fights against mental health stigma, they are building a better, more open world for everyone.

Mental Health in Schools: Current State and Challenges

Schools in the United States are working to boost their mental health programs. In 2021-2022, 96% of public schools offered some type of mental health service¹². Many schools provided services like counseling (84%), case management (70%), and outside care references (66%)¹².

Still, there are hurdles to overcome. Only a third of schools did mental health check-ups on students. And just over 1 in 6 schools had telehealth services available¹². Many schools face challenges due to not having enough money. Nearly half say they don’t have the resources needed to offer full mental health support¹².

The importance of mental health programs is hard to overlook. One out of every six young people, from ages 6 to 17, deals with a mental health issue each year. Half of these issues start before they turn 14¹³. Shockingly, suicide is the second top cause of death in people aged 10 to 34¹³.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made these problems worse. Over 200,000 U.S. children have lost a parent to the virus. Almost 3 out of 4 parents think their child needs mental health counseling¹⁴. Luckily, 67% of schools boosted their mental health services during the pandemic¹².

While some headway is visible, more work is needed. Schools should keep expanding and enhancing their mental health care to support their students better, especially in these tough times.

Gen Z’s Unique Approach to Mental Health Advocacy

Gen Z is leading the way in mental well-being by starting innovative projects. Most of them, about 91%, deal with stress that can lead to depression or anxiety¹⁵. They fight back by creating strong support systems and using tech for solutions.

Student-led Initiatives and Campaigns

In 2022, Caroline Hanson took a stand for mental health in Massachusetts schools¹⁶. Her work is part of a big movement. Around 70% of Gen-Zers feel that mental health should be a top priority¹⁷.

Peer Support Networks and Programs

Gen Z is enhancing their mental health care through peer support. At Holy Cross, more students are seeking counseling, outpacing the national average¹⁶. This shows their dedication to ending stigmas and starting open talks about mental health.

Leveraging Technology for Mental Health Resources

Being digital natives, Gen Z finds and shares mental health tips easily. They’re better than other age groups at talking about their mental well-being¹⁷. Their comfort with tech opens new doors for better support and learning.

Even with big challenges, like 14.8% dealing with major depression, Gen Z sees a bright future¹⁵. In fact, 76% are hopeful about what lies ahead, showing their strength and will to make things better¹⁶.

The Role of Educators in Supporting Student Mental Health

Teachers are at the forefront of the youth mental health crisis. They need mental health education and support. A large number of teenagers struggle with anxiety and depression, and some think about suicide¹⁸. This problem is big, and it needs teachers to respond strongly.

Many schools face difficulties meeting these challenges. A lot of them don’t have enough mental health services. Also, during the first year of the pandemic, almost 40% didn’t have a school psychologist¹⁸. The number of counselors is too low, and this shortage affects students’ well-being¹⁹.

Congress has agreed to spend $1.7 billion on mental health in schools¹⁸¹⁹. This huge amount is to help get more mental health professionals into schools. It also gives support to teachers facing these issues.

Teachers are also doing their part. Before the pandemic, nearly all teachers agreed that they needed to learn about trauma-informed ways of teaching²⁰. This approach is crucial as trauma affects how pupils come to school and behave.

“All school staff members play a role in promoting positive mental health and supporting students coping with trauma.”

Schools are trying new things to tackle mental health challenges:

• Offering free mental health lessons for teachers
• Providing one-on-one counseling
• Increasing professional development for staff
• Creating a common way to talk about trauma’s effects and how to help

By focusing on mental health in education and supporting teachers well, schools can be more helpful to students facing these issues.

Innovative School-Based Mental Health Programs

Schools are working hard to meet students’ mental health needs with new programs. These initiatives make the school a better place for students to find help easily.

Implementing Mental Health Curriculum

Schools now teach students about mental health as part of their lessons. This helps students learn about mental health problems and how to deal with them. The goal is to lessen the shame around mental health and get more people talking about it²¹.

On-Campus Counseling Services

Many schools provide counseling right on the school grounds. This means students can see mental health experts without leaving campus. The ideal number of students for each counselor is known to be 250, so everyone can get help when they need it²¹.

Partnerships with Mental Health Organizations

By working with local mental health groups, schools improve their support. These partnerships make mental health services work better and cut the shame of getting help²².

Studies show that joining forces with these groups can help students do better in school. They’re more involved, miss fewer days, and are less likely to leave school. Finding and treating mental health problems early can also keep kids out of trouble²².

An excellent model is the NYP-Columbia School-based Mental Health program. It helps over 400 kids in upper Manhattan every year. They offer counseling, both alone and in groups, and help with medication²³.

These programs really make a difference. In 2018, students got better grades, they came to school more, and had fewer behavior issues. Teachers and students felt happier, showing how well these new methods work²³.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Student Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot for students. They had to do school from home, which was hard. It made many students feel anxious and sad²⁴. This shows schools need to do more to help students who are struggling.

In the United States, many college students felt the pandemic’s effects on their mental health. 45% mentioned their mental health got worse due to the pandemic²⁵. Around 39% felt symptoms of depression and anxiety. These numbers show how big the pandemic’s impact on mental health was.

Not just college students were affected. Even the younger students showed big changes. For example, the cases of depression went up by 8.5%, which was much higher than before the pandemic²⁶. This shows the pandemic was hard on all students, no matter their age.

“The pandemic disrupted routine, life events, and security, contributing to higher levels of anxiety and depression among students.”

Going to school remotely had its challenges. Schools had to quickly change how they do things. They used lots of tech for teaching now and had to make over 2,985 online lessons²⁴. This was tough for everyone, and it might have made the quality of education a bit lower.

Now, we need to help students deal with the pandemic’s effects in the long term. Being resilient and staying active can help reduce feelings of sadness and anxiety²⁴. Schools and colleges have to focus on supporting student mental health. This will help students do better in school and feel happier.

Addressing Eco-Anxiety and Climate Change Concerns

Climate change is a big threat to our health now and in the future²⁷. Everyone, no matter the age, is at risk. This has caused a lot of worry, especially for Gen Z kids, about what our future holds.

Understanding the Link Between Environmental Issues and Mental Health

The climate crisis affects mental health in many ways, leading to issues like depression and anxiety in the young²⁸. In England, more than half of child psychiatrists say they’ve seen kids troubled by these issues. This shows the critical need to act now²⁸.

Strategies for Coping with Eco-Anxiety

Here are some ways to deal with eco-anxiety:

• Boost your strength by learning and taking care of yourself
• Be mindful of the news you consume
• Work together with others for change
• Don’t hesitate to lean on friends and family

Schools can help a lot by teaching positive ways to face climate change and offering mental health support²⁸.

Empowering Students Through Environmental Activism

Taking action on climate issues can help ease eco-anxiety²⁹. Schools can support students by:

1. Starting green clubs that focus on saving the planet
2. Helping with campaigns for a better environment
3. Organizing trips and activities in nature²⁷

Acting for the environment turns anxiety into hope and builds strength against challenges²⁹. It’s okay to feel deeply about climate issues. These emotions can push us to do good for our planet²⁹.

“Climate change is a persistent problem that will not disappear in the next few years. It’s crucial we equip our youth with the tools to cope and act.”

If you want to know more about climate change and its effects on health, check out Cornell Health’s resources.

The Intersection of Social Justice and Mental Health

Social justice and mental health are linked, impacting individuals and communities. Gen Z is working hard for changes, especially in schools.

Oppression comes in many types, affecting people’s mental well-being. Racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination can cause conditions like anxiety and depression³⁰³¹.

Studies indicate that people in marginalized groups often face more mental health issues. For instance, Black Americans might experience depression due to racial discrimination. This makes mental health fairness very important³¹.

“Mental health is not just a personal issue, but a social justice issue that requires collective action.”

Getting mental health care is not easy for everyone. Many people without much money can’t afford therapy because they don’t have insurance. Plus, some areas don’t have enough mental health professionals³¹.

Pushing for better mental health support is key. Advocating for mental health involves various efforts:

• Promoting policies that better mental health services in areas that lack them³²
• Teaching to reduce the shame about mental health issues³²
• Offering mental health services that understand different cultures³²

Gen Z is leading efforts in schools for better mental health programs. They aim for services that meet the needs of all people, especially those often left out. By understanding the link between social justice and mental health, we aim for a fairer and mentally strong society for everyone.

Cultivating Resilience in Gen Z Students

Gen Z students deal with different issues that can hurt their mental health. Schools are now stepping in to help them learn important skills. Educators are showing students ways to manage stress and be mindful.

Teaching Coping Skills and Stress Management

Schools see how important it is to help students deal with stress. They’re offering classes on how to be resilient and manage stress. Students learn how to spot things that stress them out and how to deal with it healthily³³³⁴.

They’re teaching students to breathe deeply, manage their time, and think in new ways. With these skills, students can handle school work and other tough times better³⁴.

Promoting Mindfulness and Self-Care Practices

Being present and reducing anxiety are now key goals. Schools use mindfulness in daily routines. This can include meditating, doing yoga, and writing in journals.

Looking after oneself is also vital for mental health. Schools tell students to sleep well, exercise, and eat right. This helps students lay down a good basis for their future well-being³⁵.

Building a Supportive School Community

Feeling supported is crucial for resilience. Schools are starting programs where students can help each other. This lets students share their stories and get advice from friends in a safe place.

Through resilience and stress management, schools are helping Gen Z students be more confident. They’re building an environment where students can do well both in their studies and their feelings.

The Future of Mental Health Support in Education

The way we support mental health in schools is changing fast. Now, schools are looking at new ways to help students feel better. They’re moving towards using all kinds of methods and technology for mental health care.

Things like virtual reality and AI are making a big difference. They can help students early on and give them personal support. Schools want to use these tools more to help their students³⁶.

Understanding mental health is now part of school lessons in many places. States are making it a rule to teach about mental health from kindergarten to high school. Programs and courses to learn about mental health are also growing³⁷.

• Early identification through well-being check-ins
• Integration of life skills into daily lessons
• Promotion of student connectedness and belonging

Schools plan to focus more on stopping mental health problems before they start. They want to make sure every student feels included and knows someone looks out for them. This should make students feel more connected and happier³⁷.

Working together with people outside the school is really helping students do better. This link-up has led to better school work, fewer kids skipping school, and more students finishing school³⁶.

Looking forward, schools will focus on creating a caring place for learning. They’ll use more technology and work closely with friends and specialists outside the school. These changes should lead to happier and healthier students in the future.

Bridging the Gap: Collaboration Between Schools and Mental Health Professionals

Schools now work closely with mental health experts for students’ better care. This collaboration aims to make getting help easy. They want to catch problems early and offer the right support quickly.

In Olmsted County, the BRIDGE Collaborative connects schools, mental health centers, and community groups. Together, they improve student wellness and support families. They place mental health therapists in schools to make help more accessible³⁸.

Across the nation, more schools are joining forces with therapists and mental health organizations. They set up systems to fast track students to needed professionals.

Studies show these partnerships are very effective. They help stop conditions like depression and anxiety from taking hold in students. Also, teachers are crucial in identifying mental health problems early³⁹.

“Integrated care is about creating a network of support around each student. It’s not just about treating problems, but building resilience and promoting overall well-being.”

The Psychiatric Advocacy Collaborative Teams Summit (PACTS) is making headway in this area. It brings professionals together to enhance care for youth with difficult pasts⁴⁰.

Working unitedly, schools and mental health pros ensure a safety net for students. This united approach lowers the chance of any child going unnoticed. It’s a great move for improved mental health care in schools.

Policy Changes and Advocacy for Better Mental Health Resources

The call for better mental health rules in schools is growing. You play a key role in changing how we educate. Many, between 12% to 22% of under 18’s, need mental health help fast, showing why change is vital⁴¹. Your say can help get more money and support.

Adding mental health lessons in school is very important. One out of five kids might have emotional or mental issues, but lots don’t get the help they need⁴². By asking for better mental health policies in school, you help ensure those after you get the help they need.

Developing Comprehensive Mental Health Policies

Your work can change how we take care of student wellness. Strong programs help kids grow socially and emotionally⁴³. By wanting teachers to know how to spot mental health signs, you are helping students stay safe⁴². Plus, things like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line can help immediately⁴²⁴³. Your fight makes sure all students can easily use these life-saving resources.

Source Links

1. Mental Health & Gen Z – Springtide Research Institute – https://springtideresearch.org/resources/mental-health-gen-z
2. How Gen Z Is Erasing Mental Health Taboos Through Conversations – Active Minds – https://www.activeminds.org/blog/how-gen-z-is-erasing-mental-health-taboos-through-conversations/
3. How educators can better support Gen Z’s mental health during a polycrisis – https://www.bettshow.com/bett-articles/educators-better-support-gen-zs-mental-health-during-polycrisis
4. Generation Z and Depression: Navigating Mental Health Challenges | Health – https://www.wokewaves.com/posts/gen-z-depression-mental-health-challenges
5. Navigating Gen Z’s Mental Health Landscape in DC – https://therapygroupdc.com/therapist-dc-blog/navigating-gen-zs-mental-health-landscape-in-dc/
6. Gen Z’s View on Therapy and Mental Health | Pacific Oaks – https://www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/blog/gen-z-view-on-mental-health/
7. This is why ‘polycrisis’ is a useful way of looking at the world right now – https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/03/polycrisis-adam-tooze-historian-explains/
8. Global polycrisis: the causal mechanisms of crisis entanglement | Global Sustainability | Cambridge Core – https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/global-sustainability/article/global-polycrisis-the-causal-mechanisms-of-crisis-entanglement/06F0F8F3B993A221971151E3CB054B5E
9. How do we think of our present time, looking to the future? The 2022 Polycrisis and what comes next – https://bryanalexander.org/futures/how-do-we-think-of-our-present-time-looking-to-the-future-polycrisis-and-what-comes-next/
10. Why Gen Z Is More Open to Talking About Their Mental Health – https://www.verywellmind.com/why-gen-z-is-more-open-to-talking-about-their-mental-health-5104730
11. Generation Z’s Mental Health Issues – https://www.aecf.org/blog/generation-z-and-mental-health
12. The Landscape of School-Based Mental Health Services | KFF – https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/the-landscape-of-school-based-mental-health-services/
13. Mental Health in Schools – https://www.nami.org/advocacy/policy-priorities/improving-health/mental-health-in-schools/
14. Mental Health in Schools: The Kids Are Not All Right | NEA – https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/mental-health-schools-kids-are-not-all-right
15. Mental Health and Gen Z: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities | Amber – https://amberstudent.com/blog/post/mental-health-and-gen-z-understanding-the-challenges-and-opportunities
16. Gen Z Wants to Talk About Mental Health. You Should Listen. – https://magazine.holycross.edu/stories/gen-z-wants-talk-about-mental-health-you-should-listen
17. Council Post: The Rise Of Mental Health Awareness Among Gen-Z: What This Means For Brand Marketing – https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/03/10/the-rise-of-mental-health-awareness-among-gen-z-what-this-means-for-brand-marketing/
18. What’s the Role of Teachers in Supporting Student Mental Health? – https://www.edutopia.org/article/the-doctor-is-in-your-classroom/
19. What’s the Role of Teachers in Supporting Student Mental Health? – CHC Resource Library | CHC | Services for Mental Health and Learning Differences for Young Children, Teens and Young Adults | Palo Alto, San Jose, Ravenswood – https://www.chconline.org/resourcelibrary/whats-the-role-of-teachers-in-supporting-student-mental-health/
20. A Role for Every Staff Member in Promoting Student Mental Health – https://www.ascd.org/blogs/a-role-for-every-staff-member-in-promoting-student-mental-health
21. Implementing School-Based Mental Health Services: A Scoping Review of the Literature Summarizing the Factors That Affect Implementation – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8948726/
22. School Based Mental Health Services – https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/childservice/docs/school-based-mhservices.pdf
23. Are Schools the Key to Mental Health Support for Our Kids? – https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/increasing-access-youth-mental-health-services-through-school-based-care
24. Impact of COVID-19 on the lives and mental health of children and adolescents – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9623428/
25. Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 among Children and College Students: A Systematic Review – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8747859/
26. Study demonstrates the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on young people’s mental health – https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231004/Study-demonstrates-the-impact-of-COVID-19-pandemic-on-young-peoplee28099s-mental-health.aspx
27. Climate Change & Eco-Anxiety | Cornell Health – https://health.cornell.edu/resources/health-topics/climate-change
28. Integrating mental health into climate change education to inspire climate action while safeguarding mental health – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10800611/
29. Eco-anxiety in children: A scoping review of the mental health impacts of the awareness of climate change – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9359205/
30. Navigating the Intersection of Mental Health and Social Justice: Understanding the Impacts of Oppression on Mental Wellness – https://www.rtor.org/2023/06/22/navigating-the-intersection-of-mental-health-and-social-justice-understanding-the-impacts-of-oppression-on-mental-wellness/
31. The Intersection of Social Justice and Mental Health – RADIAS Health – https://www.radiashealth.org/the-intersection-of-social-justice-and-mental-health/
32. The Intersection of Mental Health and Social Issues: Advocating for Mental Health as a Social… – https://medium.com/@MendingMinds/the-intersection-of-mental-health-and-social-issues-advocating-for-mental-health-as-a-social-011d3947e934
33. Tackling the Unique Mental Health Challenges of Gen Z – Oaks Integrated Care – https://oaksintcare.org/tackling-the-unique-mental-health-challenges-of-gen-z/
34. Why does Gen Z seem so vulnerable to stress, anxiety, trauma, depression? – https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/blogs/higher-ed-gamma/2023/07/14/why-does-gen-z-seem-so-vulnerable-stress-anxiety-trauma
35. How to Help Generation Z Redefine Resilience and Overcome Life’s Challenges – https://growingleaders.com/how-to-help-generation-z-redefine-resilience-and-overcome-lifes-challenges/
36. School Based Mental Health | Youth.gov – https://youth.gov/youth-topics/youth-mental-health/school-based
37. Moving Upstream: Opportunities in School Mental Health – https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu/practice-brief/moving-upstream-opportunities-in-school-mental-health/
38. Bridging the Gap: Bringing Together a Collaboration of Community Organizations – https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1544236
39. Partnerships at the Interface of Education and Mental Health Services: The Utilisation and Acceptability of the Provision of Specialist Liaison and Teacher Skills Training – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10001585/
40. PACTS to Bring Together Experts, Providers on Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Care for Children After COVID – UTHSC News – https://news.uthsc.edu/pacts-to-bring-together-experts-providers-on-bridging-gaps-in-mental-health-care-for-children-after-covid/
41. Mental Health in Schools and Public Health – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1525289/
42. Back to School and Mental Health: Supporting Our Children for a Successful Year Ahead – https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/back-to-school-and-mental-health-supporting-children
43. For Educators – https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/educators