By: Juanita Sol-Edeigba, Youth Leader, Milton
As a current Grade 11 student, I can reflect on how my mental health and perspective evolved between Grade 7 and Grade 10. Looking back, I had a lot less to think about in Grade 7. I hadn’t gained the independence to decide much for myself. I was still under the guidance of my teachers, who led me to do what they thought was best for me. However, in high school, it became entirely different. While it’s technically just three years apart, the mental growth and increased responsibilities between a 7th grader and a 10th grader are far greater than they seem.
By Grade 10, I had much more control over my school life, for example, when choosing my courses. To me, this was a double-edged sword. I could now choose the courses that I enjoyed and drop the ones I didn’t; however, there were so many possibilities to choose from. I had to consider future prerequisites, figure out how to include my program courses, and balance these all out during the school year.
Mental Capacity Growth
This new independence came with challenges. The weight of decision-making was now entirely on me. Friends’ choices often influenced me, even subconsciously. When some friends took all AP courses, I felt the pressure to do the same, whether or not it aligned with my goals. Grade 10 was a turning point; it was the first time I seriously thought about my future career and aspirations. It was both exciting and daunting. As you grow older, you are held more accountable for your actions. This is why the pressure was on my shoulders to make a wise decision.
The difference between both grades is highlighted in the Our Kids Network 2023 Youth Mental Health Survey Report. Among Grade 7 students, 38% rated their mental health as very good or excellent, while 34% reported it as poor or fair. By Grade 10, these numbers changed; only 25% rated their mental health as very good or excellent, and 46% rated it as poor or fair. This decline highlights the mounting pressures older students face, from academic demands to social influences. It’s important not to disregard the fact that the percentage of Grade 7 students reporting their mental health as good isn’t all that high either. These two groups of teenagers are going through a stage of life where they are understanding more about themselves and the world while also going through puberty. All these factors contribute to the mental health of an individual, especially school students who are going through constant changes.
Healthy Lifestyle Balance
During a recent facilitation session with Milton students, we emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance in all aspects of life – family, friends, social activities, academics, and sleep. All these factors are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and yet most teenagers are struggling to sustain a balance. Personally, I agree with the importance of having a healthy lifestyle balance contributing to positive mental health. If we use the example of choosing my courses, when deciding on which electives I should take, I consulted my family because deciding on my own was hard. I needed not only a secondary opinion but also somebody who could provide me with emotional support to reassure me that I was making the right decision. Talking with someone who knew me well offered emotional support and reassurance, making the process less stressful. Sometimes, just being heard and understood can lighten the mental load.
Moving Forward
As teenagers, we’re navigating constant change, discovering ourselves, and understanding the world around us. These years are pivotal, filled with growth and challenges. By fostering open conversations, building supportive relationships, and striving for balance, we can help ensure that the mental well-being of students like me is prioritized.
For more information:
Download the survey report
Visit our survey findings landing page
Additional resources:
One Call, All Access for Child & Youth Mental Health
Kids Help Phone
Pflag Halton
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