by Alison Malmon, Chicago Tribune

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

As students return to school, it's crucial to recognize the invisible struggles they may be facing, especially after the summer break. Navigating new academic and social environments can intensify mental health challenges or even trigger new ones.

Providing students with tools and emotional literacy to support one another and address feelings of loneliness is vital to building a culture of care and resilience that can genuinely make a long-lasting difference in their well-being.

The reality is stark: Youth suicide rates have risen steadily over the last 15 years and are currently the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14 and the third for those ages 15 to 24. These statistics are more than just numbers—they're deeply personal to me.

Young adults are most likely to turn to a friend first when struggling with their mental health, yet 70% of peers do not feel prepared to provide support. Peer-based emotional support is not about solving someone's problems; it's about creating an environment in which emotions can be openly shared and help can be sought without fear of judgment.

The need for such safe spaces is urgent. More than one-fifth of high school students have seriously considered suicide. In college, nearly 30% of students report severe psychological distress associated with an increasing feeling of loneliness. Now more than ever, youths need safe spaces to express their feelings, establish support systems and build emotional literacy within their communities.

Emotional support has a profound impact on mental health. With the proper knowledge, young people can be powerful agents for change. Peer-led organizations such as Active Minds illustrate how student networks can break down mental health stigma and build trust and respect within their communities. These systems educate students about mental health awareness, decrease stigma and increase behaviors that establish a solid foundation for a supportive network.

Since half of all mental health issues begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24—critical years when connections among peers are strongest—these relationships can offer crucial lifelines. To prepare students for the new school year, they need resources to guide their mental health throughout the year. By consistently checking in, offering a safe space and maintaining open communication, youths can help peers who might be struggling.

Its essential to recognize that not all challenges are experienced equally. Social stigma is a significant barrier to mental health care, but it disproportionately affects communities of color, where preconceived notions and biases create substantial obstacles to receiving appropriate support.

Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience mental health challenges and face a higher risk of suicide compared with members of other racial groups. Despite this, Black college students are statistically less likely to receive a mental health diagnosis. To address this disparity, targeted support and culturally responsive resources are essential in ensuring that all young people, regardless of their background, feel recognized, supported and encouraged to seek the help they need.

With students heading back to school, it's vital to prioritize mental health discussions, especially as 67% of young adults with mental health symptoms won't receive the care they need.

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