By Ayanna Ewing
Courier Staff Reporter
The burden mental illness can cause is felt by many. Getting out of bed and doing the simplest of work can take up all of one’s energy. “It has long been acknowledged that a variety of psychosocial and health problems affect learning and performance in profound ways.” (Mental Health in Schools). It’s been found that students who suffer from a mental illness are more likely to not seek a higher education after high school.
According to TeenScreen National Center for Mental Health Checkups at Columbia University, “Secondary school students who suffer from mental illness are more likely to earn failing grades across all subjects and are retained at grade level more often than youth with disabilities as a whole.”
Some common illnesses found among students are: “ADHD, Schizophrenia, Autism Anxiety Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Learning Disorders, Eating Disorders, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder.” (J. Lucy Boyd)
The effects can vary in students depending on what their affliction may be. For example, those suffering from Depression may have lower grades than someone who isn’t.
It’s equally possible for someone suffering from a mental illness to be doing well in school, but doing poorly in other aspects of school life. Many schools have programs that have been set up to help students deal with a range of mental health and psychological problems.
There are different ways that someone can help their self when dealing with the turmoil of a mental health disorder. It’s important that if things begin to get too rough to handle, that someone suffering from mental affliction seeks out help in one form or another. Speaking with a counselor or contacting another person whom is believed by said mentally ill person to be helpful can assist in moving towards stabilization.
The earlier on a mental illness is found out, the sooner the student or person with the problem can be helped and achieve better in school. “Early detection of childhood mental health problems, timely referral, and access to appropriate services leads to improvements in both mental disorder symptoms and school performance.” (Mental Health and Academic Achievement).
The struggle to live with a mental illness can be and is commonly difficult, but to keep striving means to stay in control and keep living.
