(Armaine Aquino )
At James Campbell High School and across the country, many teens are facing what many experts are calling a growing mental health crisis. According to recent CDC data, 40% of U.S. high school students report persistent sadness or hopelessness, and many say school pressure, social media, and expectations from others are pushing stress levels higher than ever.
For students like Cheyleeana Alcosiba Bacalso, mental health is more than a topic in a classroom, it’s part of everyday life. “Mental health means people’s emotional and social well-being that affects how they act, think, and overall feel,” she said. She said many teens today face heavy stress from “academic pressure, school sports, clubs, peer pressure, and social media.”
School Stress Plays a Big Roll
Alcosiba Bacalso said school affects her mental health both positively and negatively. Making friends and socializing helps her feel way better, but academic stress adds lots of pressure. “I’m stressed out about my grades, making sure they’re good enough so I can play soccer,” she said. Tests, anxiety, difficult subjects, and lots of homework make school even more stressful than it already is.
She also believes mental health isn’t talked about enough at school. “Some teachers understand what students go through, but lots do not. They do tons of work without knowing we have jobs, sports and other priorities to deal with.”
Social Media Makes Pressure Worse
Many students also say social media affect how they feel about themselves. Alcosiba Bacalso describes the constant comparison: “Teens see each other’s perfect lives online and wish they had the same. People want likes and comets as validation. “ She said that cyberbullying, drama, and the fear of missing out can make teens’ emotional health worse.
Community Support Matters — but so do weakness.
In her community, Alcosiba Bacalso both positives and negatives. Strong social connections and mental health support help teens feel less alone. But isolation, loneliness, and very stressful home environments can make things even worse than they already are.
Students say schools could do more
Teens have more mental health days, easier access to support systems, and more open conversations about emotional wellness. Alcosiba Bacalso said a “calm room” where students could relax, take a nap, or regroup would be a lot of help. She believes schools should hold awareness campaigns, integrate mental-health education, and train staff to better understand teens’ needs.
Doing what you love can make a real difference.
Despite rising stress among teens, experts say there is a home — and students agree. Healthy coping mechanisms, hobbies, and creative activities can improve mental well-being.
Alcosiba Bacalso relies on soccer and other physical activities to cope. “Sports help me relieve stress and quiet my negative thoughts,” she said. She also enjoys cooking because it “improves my mood and helps me relax.”
Research backs this up. Studies from UCLA Health show hobbies can boost mental well-being, improve cognitive function, and lower stress-related health risks. Creative activities like drawing, music, journaling, dancing, or writing give many teens an outlet to express feelings safely. According to art-therapy research, journaling can reduce anxiety, help with problem-solving, track emotions, and build self-understanding.
Experts say hobbies work even better when shared with others since social connection protects teens from poor mental health.
Why mental health support matters
CDC experts warn that poor mental health affects grades, decision-making, and long-term well-being. But there is good news: feeling connected to school, family, and community is one of the strongest protective factors for many teens. Supportive adults, safe places, and easy access to mental-health services can help prevent more serious situations.
Advice from students, for students
Alcosiba Balcalso encourages her peers to make time for the things they love and enjoy doing. “Schedule time for the hobbies that make you the most happy,” she said. “It helps lower stress and makes tough school days easier to handle.”
With better school support, stronger communication, and healthy coping strategies, many teens believe things can improve. Their message is very clear: mental health matters, and doing what you love — whether it’s art, sports, cooking, writing, music, or any creative outlet—can truly help all teens feel stronger and more supported.
