How Should Schools Support Students Experiencing Anxiety and Depression

Trigger warning: This article discusses suicide.

Student Edge members can submit articles, reviews and opinion pieces inspired by events affecting student life. This opinion piece comes from member Tayla Sokolich. Submit your stories here (or contact us directly).

I believe there should be more support and understanding towards teenagers regarding mental health.

In many schools around Australia, mental health is not something that’s taken very seriously. The problem with this is that around one in seven children and young people experience a mental disorder over the course of a year, even if they’re battling it in silence.

Mental illnesses can range from anxiety and depression to PTSD and much, much more. In some cases, people have been found to be living with more than one of these. But since mental health is often looked down upon in the public eye, some teens may not know how to identify them, or how to deal with them, and are left feeling alone and afraid, or ashamed and hopeless.

Given that suicide is the biggest killer of young Australians aged 15 – 24, I feel schools should step up their game and take the mental health of their students more seriously. And while a school can only do so much, they could take immediate action by upping their counselling services on campus (if they haven’t already).

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, you can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 and speak to a counsellor 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I remember attending a public school last year and there was a time where I really needed to see the counsellor, but she was almost always away, or busy with other students. Needless to say, I never did get in to see her.

My suggestion is for every school to hire at least two counsellors instead of one; perhaps one male and one female, as some people feel more comfortable talking to a counsellor of their gender. These counsellors could perhaps be situated somewhere private, yet accessible, where other students wouldn’t be able to peer over and see you enter. Their office needs to be as easy to reach and discreet as possible, to encourage students to speak about their problems without worry.

Another suggestion could be a class where students can work quietly if they’re having a bad day; when they just need that bit of personal space. This would not be an everyday thing; just when needed to make things a little more manageable. Perhaps one of the counsellors could pop in to check on students who were there, and see if they want to talk about what might be going on. It could make all the difference.

If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Congratulations to Tayla for winning this week's writing challenge. Tayla wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Competitions section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge.

Header Image: iStock.com/Mixmike