Blog Post #3; What is the relationship between mental health and academic performance indicators in high schoolers?

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my third blog post! In this post, I’ll be diving into one of my three inquiry questions to help me better understand the impact of mental health on high school students. Specifically, I’ll be exploring the relationship between mental health disorders and academic performance in teenagers. This sub-question looks at how mental health issues can affect a student’s academic performance, while also discussing potential solutions to support students dealing with these challenges.

As we all know, mental health is an ongoing issue that people around the world face daily. Mental health disorders can take over a person’s life, affecting us in more ways than we might realize. Over the years, through research and data, doctors and psychologists have gained a better understanding of the profound impact mental health disorders have on an individual’s daily life. According to recent data, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experience some form of mental disorder, including anxiety, OCD, depression, and other behavioral disorders during adolescence (1). Suicide has now become the third leading cause of death among this age group, reflecting the global failure to address adolescent mental health appropriately (1). Despite some efforts by schools to raise awareness about mental health, the approach remains inadequate.

High school students with mental health disorders often struggle academically. Poor mental health can lead to difficulties with concentration, motivation, and focus, which in turn impacts their ability to perform well in school (2). These cognitive challenges often result in poor grades, behavioral issues, and higher rates of truancy as students find it harder to keep up with their schoolwork and attend classes regularly (2). On top of the academic pressures, students also experience the anxiety of fitting in socially. Peer pressure and the desire for acceptance can fuel concerns about self-image, leading to feelings of insecurity. The stress that adolescents face from academics, extracurriculars, and social interactions affects their success in various ways (3). When students are tired and overworked, their cognitive functions can suffer, making it harder to focus, form meaningful connections, learn new material, and retain information.

It’s crucial to recognize the connection between mental health disorders and academic performance, especially as a high school student, because it helps us understand the general impact these issues have on an adolescent’s daily life. Understanding what’s happening in your mind and body is a key step in managing and coping with these mental health challenges. If left unaddressed, mental health issues can worsen, leading to long-term consequences in adulthood. This is why it’s so important for teenagers to gain insight into this topic—it helps us understand ourselves better.

Moreover, high levels of stress can lead to a lack of motivation. When stress demotivates students, it can cause them to procrastinate and become overwhelmed. This often results in last-minute work, poor grades, and increased stress. These stressors can also contribute to academic burnout, leaving students feeling defeated (4). Tired students often exhibit behavioral changes, such as becoming withdrawn or suppressing their emotions (4). This not only affects their academic success but can also lead to feelings of isolation. Academic stress can exacerbate anxiety and depression, making it essential for students to have the right tools to manage their mental health. School-related stress can cause students to lose sight of their well-being, leading them to neglect both their studies and themselves. This issue affects about 1 in 5 youth worldwide (5).

Research also shows that anxiety and mood disorders are more common in females, often beginning during adolescence and worsening if not addressed (5). To manage these stressors and prevent student burnout, it’s vital to recognize the symptoms early, work to reverse them, and gradually build resilience. Setting boundaries, getting enough sleep, prioritizing personal needs, and seeking professional help when necessary are essential steps in overcoming these mental stressors. Understanding what’s happening in your brain and body is crucial in managing mental health challenges. 

Ultimately, it’s essential to acknowledge the connection between mental health and academic performance, especially as a high school student. Doing so can provide a clearer picture of how mental health disorders impact our daily lives. Recognizing the signs and learning how to cope with these challenges will help us not only in school but throughout our lives.

1. World Health Organization. “Adolescent Mental Health.” World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health#:~:text=Key%20facts,illness%20and%20disability%20among%20adolescents.
2. National Association of School Psychologists. “Home.” National Association of School Psychologists, https://www.nasponline.org.
3. Venture Academy. “How Does School Stress Impact Your Teen?” Venture Academy, https://www.ventureacademy.ca/troubled-teen-blog/how-does-school-stress-impact-your-teen/#:~:text=Here%20are%20some%20common%20ways,can%20further%20increase%20stress%20levels.
4. NovoResume. “Student Burnout: What You Need to Know.” NovoResume, https://novoresume.com/career-blog/student-burnout#:~:text=The%20main%20symptoms%20of%20student,creativity%2C%20and%20decreased%20academic%20performance.
5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Mental Health Disorders in Adolescents.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/07/mental-health-disorders-in-adolescents#:~:text=At%20least%20one%20in%20five,%2C%20attention%2C%20and%20behavior%20disorders.