Oscar has had trouble focusing at school lately. At home, he doesn’t feel interested in his favorite shows or even his favorite foods. Oscar has been feeling tired all the time and has trouble getting out of bed some mornings. Sometimes he thinks that everything seems hopeless or that maybe he’s just a loser. Like a growing number of teens in the U.S., Oscar is experiencing depression. 

Depression is just one type of mental illness. Like other serious mental illnesses, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and anorexia, depression can be treated. Therapy, medication, supportive relationships, and lifestyle changes contribute to helping people manage depression and enjoy their lives. Even for people who do not have a diagnosed mental illness, it is important to work toward good mental health. Experts agree that sufficient sleep, spending time with friends and family, and regular physical activity can contribute to good mental health. However, many people will experience mental illness even if they are making all of the recommended lifestyle choices. 

People often have considerable difficulty talking about mental illness. Students might be afraid they will be bullied or isolated if others know that they have a mental illness. This could stop them from seeking the help they need. Experts say that the best way to address this problem is to talk about mental illness openly, in the same way we talk about physical illnesses, like diabetes.

Some people argue that schools should take responsibility for their students’ mental health. They say it is an educational issue because it contributes to student success in school. Also, families may not have sufficient knowledge or resources to help children on their own. Some people may point to schools that have addressed mental health and have demonstrated improved student achievement overall.

But some schools may not have sufficient resources to provide student mental health services. Only three states in the U.S. meet the recommended number of counselors and psychologists for the number of students they serve. Many schools do not have sufficient money to hire trained counselors and start successful mental health programs. 

Some people say that schools should not be responsible for students’ mental health. They argue that it is a private issue and that parents and the students themselves should be responsible for mental health. They may argue that it is not a valid use of a school’s limited resources, since schools are meant to focus on academics. They may also say that it is not fair to spend money on services that will not be used by all students. 

What do you think? Should schools invest more in addressing student mental health or stay focused on academics? Who should be responsible for students’ mental health?