School is more than a place where children and teens learn math, science, and literature. It’s also where they build relationships, develop self-esteem, and begin to form a sense of identity. While many students thrive in school, others struggle silently with stress, anxiety, or depression connected to the pressures of academics, social dynamics, and developmental challenges.
At Aspen Psychology Group, we see every day how closely mental health is tied to school experiences. As a group of Calgary psychologists, our work involves supporting students and families as they navigate the unique challenges of the school years. This blog explores how school affects mental health and what parents, caregivers, and educators can do to help children feel supported, confident, and resilient.
The Connection Between School and Mental Health
School is a major part of a young person’s life. Children spend the majority of their waking hours in classrooms, on playgrounds, or doing homework. Because of this, school experiences deeply influence emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Some of the key ways school impacts mental health include:
- Academic Pressure
Students today often feel intense pressure to perform academically. From standardized testing to college or career preparation, many children internalize the idea that their worth is tied to grades. This pressure can lead to anxiety, perfectionism, or feelings of inadequacy. - Social Relationships
Friendships, peer groups, and social hierarchies play a huge role in how children feel about themselves. Supportive friendships can foster self-esteem and resilience, while bullying, exclusion, or peer conflict can contribute to depression and social anxiety. - Identity Development
School is also where children experiment with identity—figuring out who they are and where they belong. Students who feel “different” because of learning styles, cultural background, or personal interests may face additional challenges in feeling accepted. - Teacher and School Environment
The way teachers, administrators, and school culture respond to challenges makes a big difference. Positive reinforcement, trauma-informed practices, and inclusive classrooms foster mental wellness. Rigid or punitive environments, on the other hand, can leave children feeling misunderstood or unsupported.
Common Mental Health Challenges Related to School
As Calgary psychologists, we often hear from families about struggles that stem from or are worsened by school. These include:
- Anxiety Disorders: Test anxiety, fear of failure, or generalized worry about school performance.
- Depression: Persistent sadness, low motivation, or withdrawal from social activities due to stress or bullying.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Challenges with focus and impulse control often become more pronounced in academic settings.
- Learning Disorders: Difficulties with reading, writing, or math can affect self-esteem and create frustration.
- Bullying and Social Stress: Victims of bullying may experience trauma symptoms, while even everyday peer conflicts can feel overwhelming for some students.
These struggles aren’t signs of weakness—they’re signals that a child’s environment is impacting their wellbeing. When school becomes a source of distress rather than growth, it’s time to intervene with compassion and support.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between school demands and mental health. Some ways to support children include:
- Open Communication: Create a safe space where your child can share their feelings about school without fear of judgment.
- Balanced Expectations: Encourage effort and curiosity, not just grades. Remind children that learning is a process, not a race.
- Advocacy: If your child struggles with learning or emotional challenges, advocate for accommodations such as extra time, counseling, or specialized supports.
- Routine and Stability: Consistent schedules for homework, sleep, and downtime provide a sense of security.
At Aspen Psychology, we often encourage parents to model healthy coping strategies. Children watch how adults handle stress, and seeing a parent use mindfulness, exercise, or problem-solving calmly can be reassuring.
How Psychologists Can Help
When school-related stress starts to affect a child’s daily functioning, reaching out for professional help can make a meaningful difference. Calgary psychologists specializing in child and adolescent mental health use evidence-based strategies to address both the symptoms and the root causes of distress.
Counseling at Aspen Psychology Group may include:
- Individual Therapy: Helping students build coping skills, resilience, and emotional regulation.
- Family Therapy: Supporting communication and problem-solving within the family system.
- Collaboration with Parents: Identifying learning strengths and challenges to share with teachers so schools can provide the right accommodations.
- Collaboration with Schools: Working with teachers, administrators, and school counselors to create supportive learning environments.
By partnering with families and schools, psychologists can help ensure that students not only manage stress but also rediscover joy and confidence in their learning journey.
Connect with one of our Calgary therapists by clicking here to book a session or a free 15-minute consultation
Building Resilience in Students
One of the most empowering things we can do for children is to help them build resilience—the ability to bounce back from challenges. Some key skills that foster resilience include:
- Emotional Awareness: Teaching children to identify and name their feelings.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Encouraging creative thinking and persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Healthy Peer Relationships: Helping students cultivate friendships that are supportive and positive.
- Self-Care: Promoting good sleep, nutrition, and exercise habits to support mental health.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices such as deep breathing, journaling, or meditation can calm anxious thoughts.
When resilience is nurtured, students learn that while challenges are inevitable, they are also manageable.
A Community Approach
Mental health is not just an individual concern—it’s a community responsibility. Schools, families, and mental health professionals must work together to create environments where every child feels safe, seen, and valued.
At Aspen Psychology Group, we believe collaboration is key. Whether through parent workshops, school consultations, or individual therapy, we are committed to supporting students in Calgary and beyond. Every child deserves the chance to feel confident in school, not just academically but emotionally and socially too.
Final Thoughts
School can be both a source of joy and a source of stress. The experiences children have in classrooms and playgrounds shape not only their academic path but also their emotional development. By paying attention to how school affects mental health, we can intervene early, provide the right supports, and help students thrive.
If you notice your child struggling, know that you don’t have to navigate this alone. The Aspen Psychology Team is here to help families understand and address the challenges of school-related stress. Our team of Calgary psychologists is dedicated to walking alongside you and your child on the journey toward resilience, confidence, and wellbeing.
Because every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and capable of success—both in school and in life.
Connect with one of our Calgary therapists by clicking here to book a session or a free 15-minute consultation
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America™ 2020: A national mental health crisis. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/sia-mental-health-crisis.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Mental health in children. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/index.html
Fazel, M., Hoagwood, K., Stephan, S., & Ford, T. (2014). Mental health interventions in schools in high-income countries. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(5), 377–387. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)70312-8
Jones, P. B. (2013). Adult mental health disorders and their age at onset. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 202(s54), s5–s10. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.112.119164
Loades, M. E., Chatburn, E., Higson-Sweeney, N., Reynolds, S., Shafran, R., Brigden, A., … Crawley, E. (2020). Rapid systematic review: The impact of social isolation and loneliness on the mental health of children and adolescents in the context of COVID-19. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(11), 1218–1239.e3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2020.05.009
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Fostering healthy mental, emotional, and behavioral development in children and youth: A national agenda. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25201
World Health Organization. (2021). Mental health and COVID-19: Early evidence of the pandemic’s impact. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240027053
Disclaimer:
The content contained in this post is for informational/educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek the advice of your qualified mental healthcare provider in your area with any personal questions you may have.
Aspen Psychology Group is accepting clients at this time, Alberta residents can book an appointment here. Also, PsychologyToday.com is a great resource for finding a mental health professional in your area