Mental health struggles are quietly becoming one of the most disruptive forces in education today. A recent survey by Hidden Strength, a free mental health app for teens and young adults, reveals that the vast majority of young people across the United States and the United Kingdom are struggling—and it’s impacting more than just their emotional well-being. It’s showing up in classrooms, attendance records, and report cards.
According to the survey of more than 1,000 respondents aged 14 to 24, 75.6% said they currently struggle with their mental health. The numbers were even more striking among girls, with 81.4% reporting struggles, compared to 69.8% of boys.
For teachers and school leaders, these numbers are more than just statistics—they reflect what many see unfolding every day. Students are arriving to school anxious, exhausted, or not arriving at all. They’re missing deadlines, disengaging in class, and falling behind academically—not because they lack the ability, but because their mental health challenges are getting in the way.
Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people in Europe, claiming the lives of over 1,000 adolescents each year. In the United States, suicide rates among youth have been climbing steadily for over a decade. These devastating realities highlight the urgency of addressing mental health within educational settings.
Hidden Strength’s survey also found that 65.6% of respondents turn to TikTok and YouTube as their primary sources of mental health support. While social media may provide a sense of connection, it can also be a double-edged sword. Students may be absorbing misinformation or comparing themselves to unrealistic portrayals of success and happiness—all of which can erode self-esteem and increase academic pressure.
“It’s clear that young people and adults alike are visiting platforms like TikTok or Youtube to get answers and support for their mental health. However, the social media of today needs more checks and balances. There needs to be an alternative for young people to go that allows them to get professional help when they need it,” says Linsey Lunny, CEO of Hidden Strength.
Mental health challenges manifest in education in several ways. Chronic absenteeism is one of the most visible indicators. Students struggling with anxiety or depression often find it difficult to get out of bed, let alone attend a full day of school. For some, the stress of school itself becomes a trigger. In districts across the U.S. and U.K., educators have reported a surge in mental health-related absences since the COVID-19 pandemic began—a trend that has not reversed.
Academic performance is another casualty. Students dealing with mental health challenges may have trouble concentrating, retaining information, or completing assignments. Their grades suffer, and with them, their confidence. It becomes a cycle that’s hard to break: the more they struggle, the more they fall behind, and the more overwhelmed they become.
This crisis also places a heavy burden on educators. Teachers are often the first to notice when something is wrong, but many aren’t equipped with the training or resources to respond effectively. School counselors are stretched thin, with some districts reporting ratios as high as one counselor for every 500 students—far from what’s needed to provide meaningful support.
Apps like Hidden Strength are beginning to bridge this gap by offering on-demand access to professional support, but experts argue that schools must also invest in systemic solutions. This includes integrating mental health education into the curriculum, hiring more support staff, and building stronger partnerships with mental health providers.
If schools want students to succeed academically, they must first ensure they are well enough to learn. Mental health is no longer a fringe issue—it’s a core component of student success.
The takeaway is clear: mental health support isn’t just about wellness. It’s about equity, access, and the ability of every student to reach their full academic potential. Until we treat it with the same urgency as test scores and attendance rates, we risk leaving behind the very students we aim to empower.