Mental health can simply be defined as psychological, social, and emotional being (Benatov et
al.). Mental health determines how many beings think and behave (Benatov et al.). Sound mental
health is the basis of life. Therefore, having sound mental health can contribute to the success
of education among high school students. In addition, it helps students make good choices in
their lives and sustain productive relationships. In addition, sound mental health helps students
to learn how to manage the highs and lows of their life (Benatov et al.). The challenges
associated with learning in high school have existed long before the introduction of the internet.
However, there are growing concerns about the increasing mental health status of students in
high school. Many times these students are exposed to cyberbullying, body shaming,
community violence, drug exposure, and other conditions that affect the state of their mental
health.

According to statistics, the mental health among high school students is declining. Between
2012 and 2015, there was a 2.3% increase in severe depression in High school students (Wang
et al.). The Centers for Diseases Control (CDC), one out of every three students experienced
sadness in 2019 (Wang et al.). There was a 40% increase in mental health conditions among
high school students between 2009 and 2019 (Wang et al.). CDC further points
out that suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers of 10-16 years. In addition,
according to CDC is the second leading cause of death among youth between 15-34 years
(Wang et al.).

Life in high school can be challenging. There is a lot of stress and pressure that is exerted onto
students from peers, and studies students spend close to seven hours in school for five days
(Wang et al.). When students are outside school, statistics indicate that, on average, a
15-year-old spends six hours on homework every week (Wang et al.). For students in junior
high, the time spent on homework is more than twenty hours in a week. Furthermore, there are
extracurricular activities that students are supposed to engage in, such as sports, school clubs,
among others (Wang et al.). Therefore in such an environment, there is growing pressure
among students to perform well in class and to compete favorably in sports. Thus this condition
creates stress among the students. Understanding what the students are going through and
providing support where necessary is beneficial to the mental health of the students.

Studies indicate that students that receive mental health support perform better at their studies.
In addition, these students display better classroom behavior. However, it is only 40 % of the
students with mental health problems have received the necessary support (Benatov et al.).
Furthermore, research indicates that when schools provide mental health services on their
campuses, many students are likely to seek mental assistance (Benatov et al.). Thus students
need assurance that once there is a need for mental health support, they can easily access
such services within their school campuses. Therefore, teachers and staff members should
appreciate the relevance of mental health and provide support where necessary. It is through
the creation of an environment that emphasizes mental and emotional wellness that we can
offer support to this problem before it becomes severe.