Top 5 mental health challenges facing K-12 students

Hazel Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Today, K-12 students are experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and trauma than previous generations. Social media, the pandemic, pressure to succeed, and an often scary world is influencing student mental health across the country.

According to the Association for Children's Mental Health, 1 in 5 children has a diagnosable emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorder. 1 in 10 teenagers has a mental health issue that impairs their daily function.

Mental health issues in a child can be challenging for parents, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults to identify. Changes in behavior are expected in growing children, making it difficult to know when behaviors are cause for concern.

‍

Common signs of mental health issues in children

Mood changes including feelings of sadness, withdrawal, or mood swings
Intense emotions including fear, extreme anxiety or worry, or angry outbursts
Extreme behavior like frequent fighting or excessive classroom disruption

Difficulty concentrating during school, restlessness, and inattention
‍
Self-injury or self-harm
A sudden decrease in academic performance
Losing interest in school or activities they once enjoyed
Unexplained weight loss, changes in appetite, or compulsive behavior around food
Physical symptoms like frequent headaches, stomach ache, tense muscles, racing
heart, fast breathing, or changes in sleep patterns

Substance abuse

Sometimes these signs are not clear. Children and teens may even try to hide symptoms due to feelings of shame or fear of stigma.

‍

Common mental health challenges K-12 students experience

‍Anxiety

‍According to the CDC, 9.4% of children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety. The number is likely higher, as many children do not receive the mental health support they need.

Common types of anxiety in K-12 children:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: excessive unwanted and stressful thoughts
Phobias: irrational fear of specific things like storms or certain animals
Generalized anxiety: worry about everyday things
Separation anxiety: worry about being separated from parents or other caregivers
Social anxiety: excessive social consciousness, making class participation and socialization challenging

Anxiety can make it difficult for children and teens to function in school and other extracurricular activities and social interactions. It can affect how they behave at home with their family. When untreated, anxiety can negatively affect students, including resulting in decreased academic performance, absenteeism, and physical illness. Chronic anxiety can lead to depression, substance abuse, and suicide.

It's important to understand that for K-12 students, anxiety can manifest as physical problems. Students with anxiety may get frequent headaches or stomach aches and may be "frequent flyers" at the nurse's office. They may have trouble breathing or a racing heart when they are feeling anxious.

Hazel's physical health providers are trained to consider the "whole child" and identify when a physical health complaint covers a mental health challenge.

‍

Depression

Depression often goes unrecognized in students, often dismissed as moodiness. While it is common for students to feel sad, moody, or angry occasionally, they should not have to endure months or weeks of these feelings.

Today, 60% of youth with depression do not receive mental health treatment. Of those who do receive some treatment, only 27% receive consistent care.

Students with depression may seem sad or irritable often, seem tired and lack energy, put little effort into school, avoid class, not enjoy activities they typically do, and withdraw from friends and activities. In dire cases, depression can escalate into self-harm and suicidal ideation.

‍

Trauma

More than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by the time they are 16 years old. Traumatic events include psychological, physical, or sexual abuse or assault, community or school violence, domestic violence, natural disasters, terrorism, sudden or violent loss of a loved one, military-related stressors like deployment, serious accidents, or life-threatening illness.

Traumatic events can have a short-term and long-term impact on student mental health. Signs are different for every child, and young students may respond differently than older ones.

Students who have experienced trauma may experience learning problems and physical health problems and are more likely to suffer from behavioral and substance use disorders.

‍

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is one of the most common mental health challenges among children. Students with ADHD may struggle to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors. They also may be overly active, prone to daydreaming, and take unnecessary risks. There are three types of ADHD in children:

Predominantly Inattentive: challenging for the child to organize or finish a task, pay attention to detail, or follow instructions. The child is easily distracted and forgets details.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: the child fidgets and talks a lot, and it is hard for them to sit still. The child often feels restless, struggles with impulse control, and may speak at inappropriate times.
Combined: the child experiences symptoms of both hyperactive and hyper-active impulsiveness.

‍

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can affect children of all ages. They are usually brought on by stress or trauma and developed as a coping mechanism. Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating are often dangerous and can quickly escalate into depression and suicidal ideation.

‍

The need for school mental health services is more urgent than ever

Today, student mental health is a top concern for school districts. As the setting where K-12-aged children and teens spend most of their time, schools have the opportunity to play a unique role in supporting student mental health. Schools can serve as a location for early intervention and counseling for students struggling with their mental health.

Teachers and other school staff who frequently interact with students are in a position to notice when a student might need support. Students can avoid negative implications if they are able to access services to support their mental health.

‍

Hazel Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Today, K-12 students are experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and trauma than previous generations. Social media, the pandemic, pressure to succeed, and an often scary world is influencing student mental health across the country.

According to the Association for Children's Mental Health, 1 in 5 children has a diagnosable emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorder. 1 in 10 teenagers has a mental health issue that impairs their daily function.

Mental health issues in a child can be challenging for parents, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults to identify. Changes in behavior are expected in growing children, making it difficult to know when behaviors are cause for concern.

‍

Common signs of mental health issues in children

Mood changes including feelings of sadness, withdrawal, or mood swings
Intense emotions including fear, extreme anxiety or worry, or angry outbursts
Extreme behavior like frequent fighting or excessive classroom disruption

Difficulty concentrating during school, restlessness, and inattention
‍
Self-injury or self-harm
A sudden decrease in academic performance
Losing interest in school or activities they once enjoyed
Unexplained weight loss, changes in appetite, or compulsive behavior around food
Physical symptoms like frequent headaches, stomach ache, tense muscles, racing
heart, fast breathing, or changes in sleep patterns

Substance abuse

Sometimes these signs are not clear. Children and teens may even try to hide symptoms due to feelings of shame or fear of stigma.

‍

Common mental health challenges K-12 students experience

‍Anxiety

‍According to the CDC, 9.4% of children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety. The number is likely higher, as many children do not receive the mental health support they need.

Common types of anxiety in K-12 children:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: excessive unwanted and stressful thoughts
Phobias: irrational fear of specific things like storms or certain animals
Generalized anxiety: worry about everyday things
Separation anxiety: worry about being separated from parents or other caregivers
Social anxiety: excessive social consciousness, making class participation and socialization challenging

Anxiety can make it difficult for children and teens to function in school and other extracurricular activities and social interactions. It can affect how they behave at home with their family. When untreated, anxiety can negatively affect students, including resulting in decreased academic performance, absenteeism, and physical illness. Chronic anxiety can lead to depression, substance abuse, and suicide.

It's important to understand that for K-12 students, anxiety can manifest as physical problems. Students with anxiety may get frequent headaches or stomach aches and may be "frequent flyers" at the nurse's office. They may have trouble breathing or a racing heart when they are feeling anxious.

Hazel's physical health providers are trained to consider the "whole child" and identify when a physical health complaint covers a mental health challenge.

‍

Depression

Depression often goes unrecognized in students, often dismissed as moodiness. While it is common for students to feel sad, moody, or angry occasionally, they should not have to endure months or weeks of these feelings.

Today, 60% of youth with depression do not receive mental health treatment. Of those who do receive some treatment, only 27% receive consistent care.

Students with depression may seem sad or irritable often, seem tired and lack energy, put little effort into school, avoid class, not enjoy activities they typically do, and withdraw from friends and activities. In dire cases, depression can escalate into self-harm and suicidal ideation.

‍

Trauma

More than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by the time they are 16 years old. Traumatic events include psychological, physical, or sexual abuse or assault, community or school violence, domestic violence, natural disasters, terrorism, sudden or violent loss of a loved one, military-related stressors like deployment, serious accidents, or life-threatening illness.

Traumatic events can have a short-term and long-term impact on student mental health. Signs are different for every child, and young students may respond differently than older ones.

Students who have experienced trauma may experience learning problems and physical health problems and are more likely to suffer from behavioral and substance use disorders.

‍

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is one of the most common mental health challenges among children. Students with ADHD may struggle to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors. They also may be overly active, prone to daydreaming, and take unnecessary risks. There are three types of ADHD in children:

Predominantly Inattentive: challenging for the child to organize or finish a task, pay attention to detail, or follow instructions. The child is easily distracted and forgets details.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: the child fidgets and talks a lot, and it is hard for them to sit still. The child often feels restless, struggles with impulse control, and may speak at inappropriate times.
Combined: the child experiences symptoms of both hyperactive and hyper-active impulsiveness.

‍

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can affect children of all ages. They are usually brought on by stress or trauma and developed as a coping mechanism. Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating are often dangerous and can quickly escalate into depression and suicidal ideation.

‍

The need for school mental health services is more urgent than ever

Today, student mental health is a top concern for school districts. As the setting where K-12-aged children and teens spend most of their time, schools have the opportunity to play a unique role in supporting student mental health. Schools can serve as a location for early intervention and counseling for students struggling with their mental health.

Teachers and other school staff who frequently interact with students are in a position to notice when a student might need support. Students can avoid negative implications if they are able to access services to support their mental health.

‍

Hazel Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Today, K-12 students are experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and trauma than previous generations. Social media, the pandemic, pressure to succeed, and an often scary world is influencing student mental health across the country.

According to the Association for Children's Mental Health, 1 in 5 children has a diagnosable emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorder. 1 in 10 teenagers has a mental health issue that impairs their daily function.

Mental health issues in a child can be challenging for parents, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults to identify. Changes in behavior are expected in growing children, making it difficult to know when behaviors are cause for concern.

‍

Common signs of mental health issues in children

Mood changes including feelings of sadness, withdrawal, or mood swings
Intense emotions including fear, extreme anxiety or worry, or angry outbursts
Extreme behavior like frequent fighting or excessive classroom disruption

Difficulty concentrating during school, restlessness, and inattention
‍
Self-injury or self-harm
A sudden decrease in academic performance
Losing interest in school or activities they once enjoyed
Unexplained weight loss, changes in appetite, or compulsive behavior around food
Physical symptoms like frequent headaches, stomach ache, tense muscles, racing
heart, fast breathing, or changes in sleep patterns

Substance abuse

Sometimes these signs are not clear. Children and teens may even try to hide symptoms due to feelings of shame or fear of stigma.

‍

Common mental health challenges K-12 students experience

‍Anxiety

‍According to the CDC, 9.4% of children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety. The number is likely higher, as many children do not receive the mental health support they need.

Common types of anxiety in K-12 children:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: excessive unwanted and stressful thoughts
Phobias: irrational fear of specific things like storms or certain animals
Generalized anxiety: worry about everyday things
Separation anxiety: worry about being separated from parents or other caregivers
Social anxiety: excessive social consciousness, making class participation and socialization challenging

Anxiety can make it difficult for children and teens to function in school and other extracurricular activities and social interactions. It can affect how they behave at home with their family. When untreated, anxiety can negatively affect students, including resulting in decreased academic performance, absenteeism, and physical illness. Chronic anxiety can lead to depression, substance abuse, and suicide.

It's important to understand that for K-12 students, anxiety can manifest as physical problems. Students with anxiety may get frequent headaches or stomach aches and may be "frequent flyers" at the nurse's office. They may have trouble breathing or a racing heart when they are feeling anxious.

Hazel's physical health providers are trained to consider the "whole child" and identify when a physical health complaint covers a mental health challenge.

‍

Depression

Depression often goes unrecognized in students, often dismissed as moodiness. While it is common for students to feel sad, moody, or angry occasionally, they should not have to endure months or weeks of these feelings.

Today, 60% of youth with depression do not receive mental health treatment. Of those who do receive some treatment, only 27% receive consistent care.

Students with depression may seem sad or irritable often, seem tired and lack energy, put little effort into school, avoid class, not enjoy activities they typically do, and withdraw from friends and activities. In dire cases, depression can escalate into self-harm and suicidal ideation.

‍

Trauma

More than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by the time they are 16 years old. Traumatic events include psychological, physical, or sexual abuse or assault, community or school violence, domestic violence, natural disasters, terrorism, sudden or violent loss of a loved one, military-related stressors like deployment, serious accidents, or life-threatening illness.

Traumatic events can have a short-term and long-term impact on student mental health. Signs are different for every child, and young students may respond differently than older ones.

Students who have experienced trauma may experience learning problems and physical health problems and are more likely to suffer from behavioral and substance use disorders.

‍

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is one of the most common mental health challenges among children. Students with ADHD may struggle to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors. They also may be overly active, prone to daydreaming, and take unnecessary risks. There are three types of ADHD in children:

Predominantly Inattentive: challenging for the child to organize or finish a task, pay attention to detail, or follow instructions. The child is easily distracted and forgets details.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: the child fidgets and talks a lot, and it is hard for them to sit still. The child often feels restless, struggles with impulse control, and may speak at inappropriate times.
Combined: the child experiences symptoms of both hyperactive and hyper-active impulsiveness.

‍

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can affect children of all ages. They are usually brought on by stress or trauma and developed as a coping mechanism. Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating are often dangerous and can quickly escalate into depression and suicidal ideation.

‍

The need for school mental health services is more urgent than ever

Today, student mental health is a top concern for school districts. As the setting where K-12-aged children and teens spend most of their time, schools have the opportunity to play a unique role in supporting student mental health. Schools can serve as a location for early intervention and counseling for students struggling with their mental health.

Teachers and other school staff who frequently interact with students are in a position to notice when a student might need support. Students can avoid negative implications if they are able to access services to support their mental health.

‍

Today, K-12 students are experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and trauma than previous generations. Social media, the pandemic, pressure to succeed, and an often scary world is influencing student mental health across the country.

According to the Association for Children's Mental Health, 1 in 5 children has a diagnosable emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorder. 1 in 10 teenagers has a mental health issue that impairs their daily function.

Mental health issues in a child can be challenging for parents, teachers, coaches, and other trusted adults to identify. Changes in behavior are expected in growing children, making it difficult to know when behaviors are cause for concern.

‍

Common signs of mental health issues in children

Mood changes including feelings of sadness, withdrawal, or mood swings
Intense emotions including fear, extreme anxiety or worry, or angry outbursts
Extreme behavior like frequent fighting or excessive classroom disruption

Difficulty concentrating during school, restlessness, and inattention
‍
Self-injury or self-harm
A sudden decrease in academic performance
Losing interest in school or activities they once enjoyed
Unexplained weight loss, changes in appetite, or compulsive behavior around food
Physical symptoms like frequent headaches, stomach ache, tense muscles, racing
heart, fast breathing, or changes in sleep patterns

Substance abuse

Sometimes these signs are not clear. Children and teens may even try to hide symptoms due to feelings of shame or fear of stigma.

‍

Common mental health challenges K-12 students experience

‍Anxiety

‍According to the CDC, 9.4% of children aged 3-17 have been diagnosed with anxiety. The number is likely higher, as many children do not receive the mental health support they need.

Common types of anxiety in K-12 children:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: excessive unwanted and stressful thoughts
Phobias: irrational fear of specific things like storms or certain animals
Generalized anxiety: worry about everyday things
Separation anxiety: worry about being separated from parents or other caregivers
Social anxiety: excessive social consciousness, making class participation and socialization challenging

Anxiety can make it difficult for children and teens to function in school and other extracurricular activities and social interactions. It can affect how they behave at home with their family. When untreated, anxiety can negatively affect students, including resulting in decreased academic performance, absenteeism, and physical illness. Chronic anxiety can lead to depression, substance abuse, and suicide.

It's important to understand that for K-12 students, anxiety can manifest as physical problems. Students with anxiety may get frequent headaches or stomach aches and may be "frequent flyers" at the nurse's office. They may have trouble breathing or a racing heart when they are feeling anxious.

Hazel's physical health providers are trained to consider the "whole child" and identify when a physical health complaint covers a mental health challenge.

‍

Depression

Depression often goes unrecognized in students, often dismissed as moodiness. While it is common for students to feel sad, moody, or angry occasionally, they should not have to endure months or weeks of these feelings.

Today, 60% of youth with depression do not receive mental health treatment. Of those who do receive some treatment, only 27% receive consistent care.

Students with depression may seem sad or irritable often, seem tired and lack energy, put little effort into school, avoid class, not enjoy activities they typically do, and withdraw from friends and activities. In dire cases, depression can escalate into self-harm and suicidal ideation.

‍

Trauma

More than two-thirds of children report at least one traumatic event by the time they are 16 years old. Traumatic events include psychological, physical, or sexual abuse or assault, community or school violence, domestic violence, natural disasters, terrorism, sudden or violent loss of a loved one, military-related stressors like deployment, serious accidents, or life-threatening illness.

Traumatic events can have a short-term and long-term impact on student mental health. Signs are different for every child, and young students may respond differently than older ones.

Students who have experienced trauma may experience learning problems and physical health problems and are more likely to suffer from behavioral and substance use disorders.

‍

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is one of the most common mental health challenges among children. Students with ADHD may struggle to pay attention and control impulsive behaviors. They also may be overly active, prone to daydreaming, and take unnecessary risks. There are three types of ADHD in children:

Predominantly Inattentive: challenging for the child to organize or finish a task, pay attention to detail, or follow instructions. The child is easily distracted and forgets details.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: the child fidgets and talks a lot, and it is hard for them to sit still. The child often feels restless, struggles with impulse control, and may speak at inappropriate times.
Combined: the child experiences symptoms of both hyperactive and hyper-active impulsiveness.

‍

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders can affect children of all ages. They are usually brought on by stress or trauma and developed as a coping mechanism. Eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating are often dangerous and can quickly escalate into depression and suicidal ideation.

‍

The need for school mental health services is more urgent than ever

Today, student mental health is a top concern for school districts. As the setting where K-12-aged children and teens spend most of their time, schools have the opportunity to play a unique role in supporting student mental health. Schools can serve as a location for early intervention and counseling for students struggling with their mental health.

Teachers and other school staff who frequently interact with students are in a position to notice when a student might need support. Students can avoid negative implications if they are able to access services to support their mental health.

‍

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About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel’s diverse, culturally competent providers specialize in the health challenges of children and teens and partner with parents and school staff to make the best care decisions for students. Hazel is committed to improving health care equity and is available regardless of family income, geography, insurance status, or ability to pay. Hazel’s mission is to transform children’s access to health care, because when students feel better, they learn better.

Learn more at hazel.co.

About Hazel

Hazel Health is the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of school-based telehealth. By partnering with districts and health plans across the country, Hazel transforms schools into the most accessible front door to pediatric healthcare. Today, Hazel’s licensed providers deliver teletherapy and virtual care (in school or at home) to over four million K-12 students, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Hazel aims to remove all barriers to the mental and physical health care that children need to thrive: in school, at home, and in life.

Learn more at hazel.co.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel serves nearly 2 million students across 100 school districts, helping to reduce chronic absenteeism and unfinished learning by addressing gaps in health care access. As an extension of the school health team, Hazel helps schools immediately address student physical and mental health care needs. Hazel’s mission is to transform children’s access to health care because when students feel better, they learn better.

Learn more at Hazel.co/hazel-in-schools.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel helps school districts address chronic absenteeism, unfinished learning, and school enrollment, by addressing gaps in health care access.

Learn more at Hazel.co/hazel-in-schools.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts and families to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Instead of waiting for an appointment with a doctor or therapist, children can see a Hazel provider for a telehealth visit, at no cost to families. With guardian permission, Hazel’s telehealth platform allows children to connect with a health care provider within minutes, or a therapist within days of referral. Hazel’s providers can help with everything from allergies and stomach aches to anxiety and depression. With Hazel, children can get the care they need when they need it.

Learn more at Hazel.co/how-hazel-works.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts and families to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. At no cost, and regardless of insurance status, Hazel’s providers can help with everything from allergies and stomach aches to anxiety and depression. With Hazel, children can get the care they need when they need it.

Learn more at Hazel.co/how-hazel-works.