Trigger Warning: Suicide

Every year in the United States, people between the ages of 15 to 24 die by suicide at an alarming rate, with suicide being the third main reason people of this age group die. According to sccenter.org, approximately 5,000 deaths occur every year due to this reason. This is impacting teens all over the world since high levels of stress are usually caused by school and this can lead to them having negative thoughts that affect their mental health. Since our campus is comprised of pre-teens and teenagers who are going through similar problems, it is incredibly important for students to learn about the importance of mental health.

Schools may think that education is extremely important and that it is a student’s main priority. But in reality, it is not. Having good mental health has always been and will always be the main priority. Though education is one of the prime concerns, if teenagers do not have a good or even a decent sound of mind, they won’t be able to focus on their studies. Studies have shown time and time again that students with good mental health will perform better academically.

Good mental health determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthier choices. There are many different techniques and strategies that you can use to improve your mental health. One technique is to try to find ways to reduce excessive stress and replace these stressors with relaxing activities. Lower stress levels can lower the risks of conditions like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression. Another method that can help achieve good mental health is by connecting with others. Connecting with others can lower anxiety and depression, and help us express what we are thinking and feeling. Research shows that social connectedness can lead to a longer life, better health, and improved well-being. A final technique that can help have good mental health is by trying to improve your sleep. Having a good night’s sleep improves brain performance, mood, and health.

In conclusion, mental health is extremely important because it affects every characteristic of our lives, from how we think and feel to how we communicate and handle stress. By making mental health your number one priority, it leads to better overall health and how we live our lives. When we prioritize mental well-being, we develop better both personally and academically.