One of the words most commonly heard in schools today is “stress.”
From exams and homework to future plans and relationships, students face constant pressure in both big and small ways. Yet many teenagers hide their struggles behind a calm appearance, quietly dealing with anxiety and depressive feelings on their own. Mental health challenges are no longer a concern for only a few—they are a reality all of us must pay attention to.
Recent studies show that adolescents today experience higher levels of stress than in previous years, and for some, this stress develops into anxiety disorders or depressive symptoms. In my country, Korea’s highly competitive academic environment, this pressure becomes even more intense. Many students describe fears of disappointing their parents or losing sleep because of academic expectations.
Social media also plays a major role. Constant comparison with peers and the pressure to look perfect online can impact students’ self-esteem. With so much communication happening instantly, a single comment or reaction can influence a teenager’s mood for the entire day.
But the situation is not without hope. Many schools have begun introducing support programs, mindfulness activities, and expanded counseling services. Through these programs, students learn how to express emotions and ask for help when they need it. The idea that taking care of one’s mental health is a valuable and necessary skill—not something to be ashamed of—is gradually becoming more accepted.
Youth mental health is not an individual problem; it requires attention from the whole community. Schools, families, and local organizations all play a role. Small actions, such as asking a stressed student “Are you okay?” or creating spaces where teenagers feel safe to share their feelings, can make a meaningful difference. These small steps may be what help protect the well-being of young people today. I hope that you can have a small interest in others.
Sources:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1139110/full
