It’s not unusual to see students crying at school or walking with tired eyes. Between social stress, and anxiety about the future, high schoolers are carrying more than just books, they’re carrying emotional weight that often goes ignored.

As academic expectations increase and emotional support remains inconsistent, many students are feeling the tension on their mental health. Students from 10th grade shared how pressure from school, peers, and even themselves has caused anxiety and burnout. With overloaded schedules and minimal counseling access, the need for improved mental health support has never been clearer.

“Academic pressure does affect my mental health a lot,” said 10th grader Julieta Velez.
“I suffer from a lot of anxiety that is school-related, and I manage it by going to therapy and by finding outlets like horseback riding.”

Amelia Morales, also in 10th grade, agreed to this, saying, “Many teachers schedule exams and very important projects at the same time. That can really burn out a student and be a major overload.”

This pressure isn’t just coming from school. Students also face expectations from their families.

“Although parents pressure you to take AP classes and be the best you can be with good intentions, I think that can really create additional stress for students,” Morales added.

School counselors have observed the same patterns. According to Maria Teresa Mejia, a 12th-grade counselor who is accompanying 10th graders while a new counselor arrives, “The workload and pressure from school will definitely affect you. If you’re an anxious person, it can make you more anxious and interfere with your mental health.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has only made things worse. “After the pandemic, we had a lot of issues with anxiety, sleeping disorders, and depression,” Mejia said. “Being at home for so long without any social interaction affected students a lot.”

Velez noticed this in herself, too. “We were really young during the pandemic, and mental health wasn’t really a struggle then,” she said. “I do think it’s worse now than it was before.”

While stress is high, students find comfort in social relationships and hobbies.

“Social interactions at school are really helpful as a stress reliever,” said Velez. “I like knowing I have my friends to count on so that I can decompress.”

Hobbies like horseback riding and hanging out with friends can also be a form of release. “It helps me take out my energy and gives me something else to think about,” Velez said.

Still, many feel the school system lacks effective mental health support.

“We don’t have a consistent counselor for our grade,” said Morales. “A counselor could really help students manage their time and stress better.”

Velez agreed, saying, “Right now, we have like 30 different big projects… We are all very overwhelmed.”

Despite the presence of a specific counseling office for 10th graders, students often hang back to look for help within the school.

“Honestly, it’s not really my style to bring that stuff into school,” Velez said. “It’s easier to look for help outside, from people who are not attached to the situation.”

Mejia emphasized that early intervention is key. “If you’re having trouble in a subject, look for help early—not just when you’re already failing,” she advised. “Use tutoring or the Learning Center at the right time.”

She also highlighted the role parents can play: “Talk to your kids. Have at least one meal a day together. Be mentally present. The quality time you spend together matters most.”

As pressure continues to rise, students, teachers, and parents alike are calling for more support systems, improved time management among staff, and consistent mental health education. If schools want students to improve, the solution might not be more work, but better understanding.