Since its founding in 2009, Lambert High School has quickly developed its prestige as one of Georgia’s highest-ranked and most rigorous secondary schools. The school itself is the epitome of students striving for academic and extracurricular excellence day-in-and-day-out. However, the high expectations of the school have taken a toll on several students’ mental health, both academically and socially.
Rishima Dhanuka, a sophomore at Lambert, highlights the negative effects of stressful workloads on students’ mental health.
“I do think that academic stress, especially at Lambert, can have a somewhat negative effect on students’ mental health,” Dhanuka stated.
Many students who are struggling to meet the expectations of challenging coursework relate to this sentiment.
However, there are several coping strategies that the students here implement on a regular basis. Several studies and psychological experiments that have been conducted emphasize the importance of having a strong support system to help alleviate stress during difficult times. Strong support networks help students feel happier, have better mental health and be more motivated–all of which translate into greater academic performance. A student’s total academic success is influenced by the emotional and practical assistance they receive from friends, family and mentors. This support also helps to build resilience and create a happy learning environment.
“It’s always nice to have someone to sit with and help you when you’re stressed,” Dhanuka said. “For many students here, friends and family definitely help them manage academic stress. Just having someone help me come up with a plan to work on my assignments or review with me for a quiz or a test is very helpful.”
The key to receiving help is often the very thing many students struggle with : open communication and asking for help. Understanding that help is readily available for students is essential.
“I think just talking to someone about it (a stress-inducing event) can do wonders,” Dhanuka reflected. “It could really be anyone, a close friend, a family member or a counselor. If it gets to that point, even the mental health hotline can offer support during challenging times.”
In recent years, especially following the global pandemic, addressing mental illness in student populations received much attention. A study conducted by the University of Utah suggests that mental health should be prioritized just as much as physical health. Many schools in the United States have acknowledged mental health problems among students and are striving to offer guidance.
The importance of student well-being becomes apparent even more as Lambert High School advances in its commitment to academic excellence. The perspectives offered by multiple students emphasize how important it is to approach education holistically, taking mental health into account. Understanding the importance of this task, Lambert has positioned itself with outstanding resources and counseling services. With the help of these valuable resources, students will be able to cope with mental illness and achieve both academic and personal success.
