Studies show that approximately one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health disorder in a given year. Anxiety disorders, depression and behavioral disorders are among the most common mental health conditions affecting students. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24, highlighting the severity of untreated mental health issues.

Students struggling with mental health challenges often have difficulty concentrating, completing assignments and engaging in class. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that untreated mental health issues can lead to increased absenteeism and lower grades, ultimately impacting students’ future opportunities. Schools that implement mental health programs see improvements in students’ academic achievements and classroom behavior.

“Mental health can affect school work in many ways, and cause disorganization. Some teachers think it’s a lack of focus, but it’s just sometimes they’re stuck in their head,” Learning Consultant Mrs. Courtney Gerard said. 

According to The American Council on Education, over 80% of students claimed that mental or emotional challenges negatively impacted their studies and academic performance. Mental illness, while invisible, is just as disruptful as physical illness and can lead to chronic absenteeism.

Schools play a vital role in addressing students’ mental health needs. Research indicates that around 80% of children who receive mental health services do well in school settings. School counselors, psychologists and social workers are crucial in providing early support. Implementing mental health programs, such as mindfulness exercises, peer support groups and access to therapy can significantly improve students’ emotional resilience and well-being.

According to the St. Dominic handbook, students with documented special needs such as autism, ADHD, depression, or anxiety are permitted to seek accommodations through the school’s Learning Consultants. Learning Consultants are a resource for students, parents and teachers alike. Their responsibilities include reviewing diagnostic evaluations, meeting with teachers, students and parents to communicate how best to support their students and create learning profiles. 

“In order to get a learning profile, you have to have a diagnosed disability. So, you either have to go through testing, through the public school or private evaluation. If it’s something like ADHD, anxiety, things that they can diagnose, you would go to your pediatrician,” Mrs. Gerard said. 

Since mental health is so important in schools, many face significant challenges in providing adequate support. A shortage of qualified mental health professionals and limited funding have caused major obstacles for schools. The American School Counselor Association recommends a student-to-counselor ratio of 250:1, yet the national average in the U.S. is approximately 400:1, making it difficult for students to receive assistance. 

At St. Dominic, there are many resources made available to students who may feel they are struggling. Whether it is due to a mental health crisis or because of a specific event, most students chose to, or are recommended to, go to the wellness counselor, Mrs. Bauer. 

“When my mom passed away Mrs. Bauer was a safe space. She was the only person I talked to about how I was feeling,” Senior Olivia Orr said. 

Luckily, high school wellness counselors are being used as a major resource for struggling students all across America, this is largely due to the awareness that is being brought to students. 

The National Center for Education Statistics says that in the 2021-22 school year, 49% of public schools reported providing mental assessment services to evaluate students for mental health disorders, and 38% offered treatment services. 

“It was recommended to me to go and see my counselor at my school. Mrs. Bauer was the only kind of therapist or anything like that that I had when I was struggling,” Olivia said.  

Sadly, there are still many students who are not willing to see a counselor, or talk to a trusted teacher about their thoughts and feelings. They may believe that they can handle the problem themselves or are skeptical of therapy over all.

“When I had my concussions, it was recommended to me by the school to see Mrs. Bauer, but that was not something I wanted to do. I have never felt comfortable sharing my feelings to a complete stranger like that. I like talking to people who know me or who have experienced the same things as me, that way I can trust them,” anonymous student  said. 

St. Dominic is a unique school in many ways, but one of the things that makes it stand out is Father Patrick Russell. He is the only priest assigned to a school within the archdiocese and is a massive part of what makes St. Dominic so special. He also plays an important role in a lot of people’s mental health journeys.  

“Throughout the course of the week I’m probably talking to about ten to twenty kids who are coming to me about something, but those kids choose to come and talk to me. If a student has mental health concerns they meet with Mrs. Bauer, and they create what’s called a student support plan. I am commonly listed on that form, and if that’s the case I will make a point to talk to that person,” Father Patrick said.

Mental health is a heavy subject that affects students world wide. Whether it be academic stressors or outside stressors that affect success, students are battling mental illness every day. It is important to remain educated on the subject and remain sensitive to what others could be going through.

 St. Dominic has worked hard to do just that and will continue to work hard for years to come in order to ensure its students are safe, educated and mentally healthy. High school is a very challenging time for many students across the globe, and it is important for students to remember that they are not alone and that they have many resources at St. Dominic to help them navigate this difficult time.