The pressure to succeed academically and live up to high expectations can be a significant source of stress for students. Striving for academic success, adhering to high standards, and securing good grades can trigger performance anxiety. Such students often endure persistent stress over their need to excel and the dread of failing. Consequently, this can elevate stress levels, lower self-esteem, and will eventually lead to anxiety. Throughout our talks with our Mental Health Consultant and the accumulation of independent research our group members conducted we discovered that the pressure to succeed academically is one of the major contributors to anxiety amongst highschoolers. In our interviews with students, it was almost a unanimous consensus that the number one factor that affected their mental health was schoolwork. Research highlighted in the Journal of Adolescent Health identifies academic pressure as a prevalent stressor among students. Additionally, a study from the American Psychological Association revealed that 61% of college students seeking counseling services cite anxiety as their primary concern. 

The social dynamics and pressures faced by students can significantly contribute to their stress levels, often leading to anxiety. The challenge of navigating social relationships, the impact of peer pressure, and the intense use of social media can all fuel feelings of inadequacy and social anxiety. Students frequently grapple with the need to belong and be accepted by their peers, fearing rejection and isolation. Our discussions with a Mental Health Consultant and the independent research conducted by our team members have highlighted social pressures as a critical factor contributing to anxiety among high school students. During our interviews with students, a common theme emerged: the social aspect of their school lives, including interactions with peers and social media experiences, was a significant factor impacting their mental health. Studies referenced in the Journal of Adolescent Health confirm the prevalence of social stressors among students. Similarly, research by the American Psychological Association indicates that a significant portion of college students seeking counseling services report social anxiety as a major concern. Social anxiety disorder (SAD), as described by the Polaris Teen Center in their article "Social Anxiety in Teens: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Help," afflicts approximately one in three adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years old, making it the most common anxiety disorder in the United States. Characterized by a persistent and overwhelming fear of social situations and the potential for embarrassment, SAD can severely hinder individuals from engaging in normal relationships and everyday activities.

Self-care is a critical protective factor in managing and easing anxiety among high school students according to our research. Students often cited activities such as drawing, taking walks, or simply relaxing at home and playing with their dogs as effective ways to alleviate stress and foster a sense of mental calmness. These acts of self-care provide a valuable outlet for expressing emotions, engaging in physical activity, and achieving a state of relaxation, all of which contribute significantly to reducing anxiety levels. Engaging in such activities allows students to step away from the pressures of academic and social demands, offering a momentary retreat into a personal space where the mind can recuperate and gain perspective. This practice of self-care highlights the importance of balance and personal well-being in the broader context of mental health maintenance, demonstrating that simple, everyday activities can have a profound impact on alleviating anxiety.

The importance of peer support is invaluable to solving anxiety.  Through our personal experiences and talks with otherd we have found that having a support system is crucial. When kids can have someone or a group of people they can talk to about their issues, it creates a safe space for them. This sense of belonging and understanding from peers fosters a therapeutic environment where students feel less isolated with their struggles. Our interviews with students further showed how sharing experiences and coping strategies within these groups can significantly diminish the feelings of being alone in their challenges. Mutual empathy not only strengthens social bonds but also builds resilience against stressors by providing a network of emotional support. Encouraging these supportive networks in schools and communities can greatly contribute to reducing anxiety levels among students.