Have you ever thought why mental health discussions seem to have become so prevalent in 2025, especially among students? What is causing the high rates of anxiety, pressure, and emotional health issues among youth and young adults? Whether people realise it or not, mental health has become one of the most pressing issues for students today.

In 2025, being a student presents significant challenges. There are real pressures, academic demands are sky-high, social media never rests, and the world seems to be more uncertain than ever before. Did you know that the levels of anxiety and depression among students are at their highest this year? It is not statistics; it is the reality of millions of teens every day.

What, however, is the cause? Is it actually the school pressure or something beyond that?

• Social media and technology: Do you always compare yourself with the rest of the online world? You are not the only one. Social media may lead to a sense of belonging, but it also entails the pressure to always look perfect and presentable. Technology has the potential to increase these feelings of inadequacy and loneliness in this digital world.

• Academic pressure: Do you feel that you are underwater in terms of schoolwork, tests and extracurriculars? Things are quite competitive, and the pressure to achieve success is constant.

• Worldwide uncertainty: Climate change, economic recession, and other global issues are making today’s teens feel increasingly anxious. Does the future ever feel uncertain—or even a little scary—to you? You’re not alone. Many students share the same concern.

What happens to teen mental health when ignored?

Trying to learn while struggling with constant anxiety or depression sounds nearly impossible. These mental health challenges can lead to:

• Decreased grades and attention problems
• Isolation from friendship and other activities
• Physical discomfort such as headache or tiredness
• Poor coping skills and high-risk behaviours

What are we going to do to change the world?

The good news is that we all can contribute to teenagers’ mental health. Wouldn’t you agree that nobody is supposed to fight on his/her own? The following works:

• Open conversations: It should not be taboo to discuss mental health. By talking about our problems, we make other people feel less lonely.

• Schools with a helping environment: Schools that provide counselling, peer assistance, and mental health education can go a long way. How much safer would you feel, knowing that your school pays an equal amount of attention to mental health as to academics?

• Involvement of families and communities: By engaging families and communities with the schools, students get the desired support, particularly those located in underserved places.

• Healthy habit: It will help to embrace such simple habits as sufficient sleep, healthy food, and screen breaks, which will improve your mood and resilience.

Stand up for student well-being

In 2025, we must understand and support teens’ mental health. Picture the world in which all the students feel seen, heard, and supported. Wouldn’t that be a future to fight to get?

Now, when you or a friend are fighting, make sure to keep this in mind: you are not the only one who is facing the battle. So, let’s continue the conversation, remove the stigma, and create an environment where all the students can excel and blossom mentally, emotionally, and academically.

Who’s on our side?