Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

Students and Mental health

As the new school year approaches, students are preparing themselves for another year of focus and study.

The relationship between academic stress and mental health is a well-researched topic. Research shows that academic stress can lead to lower wellbeing, anxiety and depression. Students experiencing academic stress tend to do poorly in school.

As the new school year approaches, students are preparing themselves for another year of focus and study.

The relationship between academic stress and mental health is a well-researched topic. Research shows that academic stress can lead to lower wellbeing, anxiety and depression. Students experiencing academic stress tend to do poorly in school.

The desire to achieve high grades and being in a difficult educational environment can lead to increased levels of academic stress for some.

Additionally, for those with pre-existing mental health conditions, the academic stress can be a trigger for worsening of symptoms.

Student life exposes adolescents to risk factors for poor mental health including: periods of transition, loss of previous years supports, parental pressure, peer pressure, substance use, pressure to perform, long hours of study, bullying and social conflict and more.

Student Mental Health Statistics Australia

From the Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2013–14 (Young Minds Matter) (Lawrence et al. 2015) it is estimated that, in the 12 months before the survey 560,000 children and adolescents aged 4–17 (14%) experienced a mental disorder.

From the 2021 NSMHWB (ABS 2022a) it is estimated that 40% of 16–24-year-olds were most likely to have experienced symptoms of a mental disorder in the previous 12 months.

Signs a Student May be Struggling

  • Low attendance in classes

  • Withdrawal from social activities

  • Lower grades then expected

  • Changes in behaviour

  • Increased conflict with peers

  • Physical signs of fatigue

  • Withdrawn or low mood

  • Agitation or other signs of anxiety

  • Expressing a lot of worries that don’t respond to reassurance

Strategies to Support Student Mental Health for Parents

  • Help your child identify their emotions and model empathy

  • Support your child to manage stress and anxiety

  • Provide a safe place for them to talk to you without judgement or fear of discipline (Ask open ended questions and use reflective listening)

  • Focus on your child’s strengths to improve confidence

  • Provide opportunity for fun

  • Provide opportunity for exercise and physical health

  • Involve yourself with the school, engage with the child’s teachers

  • Model healthy coping mechanisms for stress including going for walks and deep breathing exercises

  • Gain support through external sources

Strategies to Support Student Mental Health for Schools

  • Keep open ended communication with parents

  • Provide a safe and secure learning environment

  • Model stress management exercises

  • Incorporate stress management into the curriculum

  • Provide opportunity for physical exercise

  • Keep an updated website with resources for mental health

  • Engage with a mental health expert

  • Have a wellness centre on campus with access to mental health support and safe spaces

  • Give basic mental health training to all teachers

 

If you are concerned about your student or child’s mental wellbeing:

 
Read More