How School Psychologists Support Students and Teachers in Overcoming Stress and Mental Health Challenges in High Schools

Irion Dekov
Apr 22
3 min read

Author: Ana Marče

Stress among students

Teens have a difficult time in high school. They have a wide range of duties, including managing social pressures, family expectations, academic pressure, and puberty related emotional changes. Stress, anxiety and mental health issues are frequently brought on by these combined pressures. There is a lot of pressure on students. They have to make important life decisions, such as deciding on a career path. Mental health support is needed during this stage to help students cope with these stressors and develop healthy ways to manage them.

Teachers under pressure

Teachers also experience stress due to long hours, high performance expectations, and managing classrooms of students with different needs. Many of them battle with burnout and lack of support. Moreover, they experience interpersonal issues with pupils and coworkers. School psychologists play a key role in helping teachers by offering advice, mental health workshop and methods for reducing stress. This can improve their wellbeing.

How school psychologists make a difference

School psychologists have the knowledge to address emotional and academic challenges. Their goal is to establish a more healthy and motivating learning environment for teachers and students. In order to make sure that students are getting the care they need, they collaborate with parents and teachers. Usually they can offer crisis support, group sessions and individual counseling. Additionally, psychologists provide workshops on stress management, communication skills and conflict resolution. Even though, goals are sometimes different because of the needs of the school, they are always focused on making healthy enviroment.

Creating a healthier school environment

Everyone should be able to feel understood and supported at school. School psychologists promote open conversations on mental health and reducing stigma. Moreover, they provide safe areas for students to speak freely without fear of judgment. In addition, they teach stress reduction practices and assist teachers in identifying early indicators of mental health problems.

They are also responsible for leading programs that promote kindness, inclusion and empathy. Furthermore, they work with parents to support their children's mental health. Additionally, psychologists also help high school students make important decisions regarding their future, such as choosing a university or a career. When students and teachers feel supported, the entire school community becomes stronger.

Wellness programs and peer mentoring

School wellness is important. It supports kids' social, emotional, and physical well-being. Anxiety, stress and behavioral problems can be reduced by programs like mindfulness, physical activity and support groups. By reducing conflict and increasing motivation, they also improve the well-being of teachers. For example, at one school, a psychologist began regularly leading wellness sessions. As a result, students became calmer, more minful and classroom environment improved. In order to create an encouraging and safe atmosphere, school psychologists are essential.

Another useful tool is peer mentoring. Trained student volunteers provide emotional support to classmates, creating a sense of community and empathy. For example, activities like "Jar of prompts," "Skill exchange," and "Career maps" promote communication, self-confidence, and emotional resilience. Students can help each other by sharing their experiences, discussing challenges and developing coping strategies to improve mental health.

Why mental health support matters

Everyone wins when schools place a high priority on mental health since it is equally as important as physical health. Teachers feel less anxious, more confident and students reach better academical goals. Through improving relationships, encouraging well-being, helping to learn how to regulate emotions, school psychologists play an important role in creating a positive school culture. When students and teachers thrive, the entire school community becomes a place where everyone: students, teachers and parents can grow, learn and become the best version of themselves.