WOODBURY – At Nonnewaug High School, many students deal with stress every day from school work, sports, and social life. Some say it can build up and can be hard to manage, especially during busy times like finals and college planning. Mental health is becoming a bigger topic, but not everyone feels comfortable talking about it.

“Finals can get really overwhelming for some people,” NHS sophomore Keegan Pinckney said. “They’re annoying and trigger anxiety because of all the pressure, stress, and expectations that come with them.”

Some students say they feel pressure to keep up good grades while also balancing everything else. Others say they struggle silently and don’t always ask for help. Teachers and staff try to support students, but it does not always reach everyone.

Beginning in 2021, Nonnewaug took a large step in ensuring student mental health is at the forefront of overall student health. Every year, students are given a pair of “mental health and wellness days,” where students are excused from the day’s classes. This step speaks to the importance of giving students time to rest, manage stress, and focus on their overall well-being.

At the national level, many employers are similarly recognizing that mental health is a key component of “health” as part of a larger conversation. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, only “15% [of American employees] reported that their employer offers company-wide mental health days. Only 12% reported that their employer has people on-site who have received mental health training.”

In contrast, Nonnewaug recognizing mental health as a priority speaks to Region 14’s progress in this area; however, there are important additional steps that need to be taken.

For example, NHS can organize peer support groups, host stress-relief events during exam weeks, and provide workshops about managing anxiety and balancing school responsibilities. Other schools have introduced activities such as mindfulness programs, wellness clubs, and designated quiet spaces where students can take short breaks during the day.

Compared to many schools across the U.S., Nonnewaug’s mental health and wellness days are already a strong step forward, but adding more student-led programs could further support students and create a healthier school environment.

NHS students agree that, while progress has been made, additional steps are needed.

“I think that Nonnewaug has a very welcoming counseling department; however, many times the staff are occupied with other students or busy in meetings,” said NHS senior Veronika Nicholas. “This can cause students to not want to find help, as they find it difficult to access from the beginning. Many students gravitate towards teachers they are close with, or other staff members, but if Nonnewaug created a space specifically for students struggling with mental health, I feel that more students would benefit and look for guidance.”

For students like Nicholas, mental health is an especially complex issue.

“Emotions often feel undermined when you do not feel appreciated or heard by who you trust. If students don’t feel this, then their struggles could get worse, and their mental health could hinder them further, creating more spaces and better access for students would help the struggles become more minor and less apparent.”

Students aren’t alone in their desire to see more done for student mental well-being.

From the NHS staff perspective, ensuring student safety is always a priority. 

“Although I feel like NHS can do an excellent job of helping students deal with stress or distress, I don’t know that we always do everything we can,” said NHS staff member Jackie Smith. “I would like to see a program that focuses on students being able to freely express themselves if they need help. I want them to know it’s okay to not be okay.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, many teens experience stress, anxiety, or depression during high school years. This shows that what students feel here is not just local, but part of a bigger issue.

Even with more awareness, there is still a stigma around mental health. Some students feel judged or worry about how others will react if they speak up.

As schools continue to talk more about mental health, students hope for more support and understanding so they can feel more comfortable asking for help when they need it.