Mental Health Triggers: 12 Things Teenagers Witness in Schools
- Olivia, Body Image Coach
- Oct 5, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 13
Teens can experience and witness a number of things in school that may impact on their mental health. Parents and teachers may or may not be aware of these but they can include:
Body shaming
Academic Stress
Competing for thinnest weight on weighing scales
Student Kakorrhaphiophobia (fear of failure)
Competition for attention from peers
Gender identity
Muscle competition
Family Issues
Racism
Substance Abuse
Body Image Issues
Learning difficulties
How we can help
Through our work supporting students in secondary schools we know that understanding these aspects of a student’s life at school can help us in implement effective early intervention strategies and promote mental health awareness.
Our advice when communicating with teenagers who are experiencing any of the above is to use power words, which can be helpful in providing reassurance and support.
Empowerment
Give them access to a mentor or role model that they look up to, and can support them. Maybe an older student.
Resilience
Show them that it is ok to have these thoughts and feelings and help them to respond to their thoughts, rather than react to them.
Options
Offer three options to them, to give them a sense of control in decision-making.
If you are a parent or teacher and you need support with a young person which is struggling talk to us about the programmes we offer in secondary schools, book a free initial consultation using the link below.
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