Mental Health-A High School Counselor's Perspective

Written by Charlotte Driscol, IEC and newest member of our team!

It is no secret that the mental health of our nation, especially among our youth, has been steadily declining over the last decade. As a school counselor since 2013, working on the front lines of youth mental health, I have witnessed a significant increase in the number of students suffering from mental health disorders. Depression, suicidal ideation, extreme behaviors, and anxiety are plaguing our youth and entering our schools at unprecedented rates. Many of the behaviors stemming from these disorders are causing major disruptions to the learning environment, prompting school systems to increase mental health support for students.

Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Extreem Behaviors and Anxiety~ behaviors are causing a disruption to the learning environment.

In response to the latest data, school counselors, social workers, and psychologists are being added to nationwide districts. However, we are still behind the curve. According to the American School Counselor Association, the recommended counselor-to-student ratio is no more than 250:1, but many schools across the country handle double that caseload. Speaking from experience, school counselors are stretched very thin. Fortunately, we have an incredible team of educators who work tirelessly to educate families, students, and staff on social-emotional learning and coping strategies. With the help of virtual therapy, more students now have access to mental health resources than ever before.

Many school counselors carry double the caseload recommended by the  American School Counselor Association

In my experience, two significant trends among students stood out. The first involved the difference between students who used social media and those who didn’t. The contrast in their emotional well-being was striking. Students who were frequent users of social media—especially Snapchat, which was the most popular platform among my students—often displayed higher levels of peer conflict, lower self-esteem, and diminished creativity. They frequently got caught up in a cycle of social comparison, where their self-worth was tied to likes, comments, and followers. Many of these students would come to me upset about online drama—being excluded from a group chat, seeing friends post about events they weren’t invited to, or dealing with misunderstandings from online conversations. The pressure of maintaining an online presence added to their anxiety and disrupted their sense of self.

In contrast, students who either avoided or limited their social media use appeared more grounded and self-assured. They seemed more comfortable with in-person interactions and displayed stronger problem-solving skills. These students were more engaged in creative activities and spent more time cultivating real-life friendships, free from the constant pressure of online validation. They seemed to experience a richer, more balanced emotional life.

The second key trend I noticed was the positive impact of being involved in school-related activities such as sports, clubs, or extracurriculars. Students who participated in these activities consistently demonstrated higher self-confidence, better control over their behavior, and healthier peer relationships. Being part of a team or group gave them a sense of belonging, purpose, and discipline. These students were often more resilient and able to manage stress, as they had an outlet for their energy and emotions through structured, positive activities. They built meaningful connections with their peers and learned important life skills like cooperation, leadership, and perseverance.

"...what’s missing for many students today is the unstructured time to simply be children."

Unfortunately, what’s missing for many students today is the unstructured time to simply be children. The days of playing outside, using their imaginations, and engaging in creative, unsupervised play have been replaced by screen time and structured activities. Many of the students I’ve worked with have lost the opportunity to explore, imagine, and create on their own terms. The simplicity and joy of childhood—spontaneously playing outdoors, riding bikes with friends, or inventing games from scratch—has faded for this generation, leaving many kids without the full range of developmental experiences that foster emotional and social growth.

The solution lies infinding a balance. Encourage kids to get outside, get involved, and get creative. This will help mold them into successful individuals who are more equipped to handle life's curveballs as they get older.

For more info on Charlotte or to learn about how she can help you  manage your college process, please connect with us! annapoliscollegeconsulting.com.