10 Mental health awareness activities for high-school students

There’s a critical need for today’s schools to prioritize student mental well-being; mental health awareness activities for students can help. Teen anxiety, depression, and suicide rates are at an all-time high, and schools are uniquely positioned to make a difference. Research suggests that up to 40% of U.S. high school students experience persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 20% have seriously considered suicide in the last 12 months. Yet despite our growing awareness, too many students are still in pain, and one in five don’t get the mental health help they need.

One way change can start is with schools taking the lead, normalizing conversations that reduce the stigma around mental health. The mental health activities and strategies offered here will help teachers, counselors, school administrators, and students work together to promote mental health awareness. Initiatives like these can break down barriers and build resilience, ensuring every student gets the support they need. 

Read on to discover mental health awareness activities for students that can make a real difference.

1. Lead a classroom discussion

Guided mental health discussions can establish a supportive school environment and encourage learning about mental health issues. By dedicating class time to talk about important mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression, we can make it easier for students to ask for help, both now and in the future.

It’s pretty simple: when students feel safe talking about mental health, they’re more likely to recognize symptoms and seek support earlier, which, according to research, is critical for preventing more severe mental health conditions down the road. 

To be effective, conversations should be based on real-life scenarios, current events, or common school challenges. For example, conversations can be based on topics like:

• How to manage test anxiety or academic stress in the classroom
• Ways to navigate social demands, friendships, or peer pressure
• The dangers of social media
• Recognizing anxiety, depression symptoms
• Building healthy coping mechanisms

Teachers can also display question or comment boxes to encourage participation from students who are hesitant to speak up.

2. Facilitate peer-led wellness circles

Peer-led initiatives are powerful tools for building trust and encouraging engagement. Wellness circles, where students lead discussions and share experiences, create a sense of belonging that can help reduce feelings of isolation. Seeing peers speak openly about mental health often gives others the courage to open up, too. 

Peer support and learning play a key role in mental health recovery, especially during adolescence. It creates a safe space for communication, shared understanding, and emotional growth.

Studies show that peer-led interventions foster trust, strengthen social connections, boost engagement, and lead to better mental health outcomes.

^{EXPERT INSIGHTS
“Young people tend to prioritize maintaining connection and respect from their peers over their parents. A typical part of adolescent development involves shifting focus from parental influence to peer relationships. When peers openly discuss emotional and mental health, it can create a ripple effect—encouraging more young people to speak honestly about their struggles and seek help when they need it.”}
_{- Liz Colliza, LPC, Director of Clinical Content}

3. Launch a monthly mental health challenge

Fun, creative monthly challenges make mental health engaging and actionable. There are opportunities throughout the calendar year, such as Mental Health Awareness Month in May or Suicide Prevention Month in September. Activities can be designed to show children how to build healthy habits and reflect on their emotions. Ideas include:

• Keeping a gratitude journal
• Completing daily acts of kindness
• Practicing mindfulness

Gamifying mental health activities for students makes wellness a regular part of school culture. School-wide initiatives can be tracked with posters, digital leaderboards, or public shoutouts. By acknowledging student efforts, schools can create a sense of community. 

4. Integrate mental health into the curriculum

Including mental health education in the curriculum takes it beyond basic awareness. It equips students with lifelong, practical skills that support their overall well-being. Lesson plans can be woven into almost any subject, too. Health, science, English, and social studies classes are all opportunities for lessons on prioritizing mental health. Lesson plans can be built around:

• Stress management
• Emotional regulation
• Healthy relationships 
• Effective communication 

We know there is a direct link between mental health education and improved academic performance and well-being. A 2022 study found that impaired mental health in the first semester of college is a top predictor of poor academic performance throughout the college years. 

Other research further highlights the idea that students with better mental health are more engaged, motivated, and successful in school than their peers who struggle.  

5. Have a digital detox day with reflection

Screen time and social media use can increase anxiety and depression in teens. To combat the impact, try hosting a “Digital Detox Day,” where students can unplug and have time to reflect on life without digital interference for a few hours. The experience helps them become more mindful of their digital habits. It’s also a reminder that there are more productive ways to spend downtime.

Have students journal about what it feels like to go without constant notifications during a detox. They can discuss the impact technology has on their mood and relationships.  

6. Lead mindfulness and movement workshops

Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, and yoga, have been shown to reduce stress and improve teen concentration. Schools might host movement workshops combining physical activity with mindfulness to help children manage anxiety, boost mood, and enhance focus.  

7. Host themed mental health weeks

Outside of national events, such as Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicating a week every school year or semester, if possible, to promote mental health initiatives in schools is an excellent way to energize your entire school community. You can plan themed mental health activities, like: 

• Stress Less Week
• Kindness Counts Week
• Pay it Forward Day

Generate buzz around the week by inviting guest speakers, offering art projects, holding workshops, and hosting resource fairs. Events can help students engage, learn, and connect with each other and find access to support services. 

Themed weeks can also reinforce the idea that mental health is a long-term priority in your school, not a one-time conversation.

8. Bring in real voices

Hearing about other people’s mental health experiences, whether from peers, alumni, or guest speakers, can profoundly impact your students. It reduces stigma and encourages help-seeking behavior. Personal stories from guest speakers will help make mental health and well-being a relatable topic. Most importantly, it shows students they are not alone.

Research shows that shared experiences increase students’ willingness to talk about mental health. It can effectively reduce self-stigma while reinforcing the importance of asking for help. Empathetic stories that challenge stereotypes will inspire students to be more proactive about their mental and emotional well-being.

^{EXPERT INSIGHTS
“Lived experiences and guest speakers play a powerful role in reducing mental health stigma among teens. When young people hear others openly share their mental health challenges, it encourages them to speak about their own. Knowing that someone else has gone through a similar experience can ease feelings of isolation and help teens feel less alone in their struggles.”}
_{- Liz Colliza, LPC, Director of Clinical Content}

9. Organize a mental health awareness fair

Hosting a school-wide fair can bring together community organizations, mental health professionals, and student groups. It’s a chance to share resources, offer screenings, and provide interactive activities promoting mental health awareness. Your school fair might have booths on:

• Stress management
• Mindfulness
• Nutrition
• Local support services 

It’s a hands-on approach that can demystify mental healthcare for students, as fairs can connect students to essential resources in a festive, inclusive environment.  

10. Introduce journaling sessions

Journaling in the classroom is an easy and powerful way for students to practice self-reflection, emotional well-being, and stress management. Regular journaling is linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and greater self-awareness.

Structured journaling sessions can happen during advisory periods, at the beginning of certain classes, or even as an after-school club. Learning to express themselves and explore their feelings in a safe space gives students insight into their mental well-being. Prompts can focus on topics like:

• Gratitude
• Setting goals
• Coping with challenges
• Conflict resolution
• Asking for help

Continue the conversation with stronger school mental health support

Mental health awareness activities for students can create a supportive and inclusive school environment, but it’s essential to remember that they are not a replacement for professional help. Some students need access to licensed, experienced professionals who can manage more complex mental health challenges.

School-based mental health programs can:

• Improve student well-being
• Raise academic performance
• Promote a supportive school environment

When combined with consistent support, the benefits of mental health services in schools are manifold.

Talkspace partners with schools to offer accessible, confidential mental healthcare for students, teachers, and staff. We connect users to licensed therapists via messaging, video, or phone, so getting help when and where it’s needed is convenient. With Talkspace as part of your mental health strategy, your students will have powerful resources to manage their mental health.

If you’re ready to improve student mental health in your school, request a demo from Talkspace today. As your long-term mental health partner, we can help your students and your entire school community thrive.

‍

Sources:

‍

1. Agnafors, Sara, Mimmi Barmark, and Gunilla Sydsjö. 2020. “Mental Health and Academic Performance: A Study on Selection and Causation Effects From Childhood to Early Adulthood.” Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 56 (5): 857–66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-020-01934-5. Accessed May 13, 2025.
2. Ali, Shahmir H., Farhan M. Mohsin, Addie Banks, Philip Lynn, and Sahnah Lim. 2021. “Peer-Led, Remote Intervention to Improve Mental Health Outcomes Using a Holistic, Spirituality-Based Approach: Results From a Pilot Study.” Community Mental Health Journal 58 (5): 862–74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-021-00893-8. Accessed May 13, 2025.
3. Chu, Tianshu, Xin Liu, Shigemi Takayanagi, Tomoko Matsushita, and Hiro Kishimoto. 2022. “Association Between Mental Health and Academic Performance Among University Undergraduates: The Interacting Role of Lifestyle Behaviors.” International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research 32 (1). https://doi.org/10.1002/mpr.1938. Accessed May 13, 2025.
4. “Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health.” 2025. Children’s Mental Health. January 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/data-research/index.html. Accessed May 13, 2025.
5. Garey, Juliann. 2024. “The Power of Mindfulness.” Child Mind Institute. November 22, 2024. https://childmind.org/article/the-power-of-mindfulness/. Accessed May 13, 2025.
6. McGorry, Patrick D, and Cristina Mei. 2018. “Early Intervention in Youth Mental Health: Progress and Future Directions.” Evidence-Based Mental Health 21 (4): 182–84. https://doi.org/10.1136/ebmental-2018-300060. Accessed May 13, 2025.
7. Mulfinger, Nadine, Sabine Müller, Isabel Böge, Vehbi Sakar, Patrick W. Corrigan, Sara Evans‐Lacko, Luise Nehf, et al. 2017. “Honest, Open, Proud for Adolescents With Mental Illness: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 59 (6): 684–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12853. Accessed May 13, 2025.
8. Smyth, Joshua M, Jillian A Johnson, Brandon J Auer, Erik Lehman, Giampaolo Talamo, and Christopher N Sciamanna. 2018. “Online Positive Affect Journaling in the Improvement of Mental Distress and Well-Being in General Medical Patients With Elevated Anxiety Symptoms: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial.” JMIR Mental Health 5 (4): e11290. https://doi.org/10.2196/11290. Accessed May 13, 2025.
9. Richter, Anne, My Sjunnestrand, Maria Romare Strandh, and Henna Hasson. 2022. “Implementing School-Based Mental Health Services: A Scoping Review of the Literature Summarizing the Factors That Affect Implementation.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19 (6): 3489. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063489. Accessed May 13, 2025.
10. “Understanding the Impact of Mental Health on Academic Performance | Independent School Management | Advancing School Leadership—Enriching the Student Experience.” n.d. Independent School Management | Advancing School Leadership—Enriching the Student Experience. ttps://isminc.com/advisory/publications/the-source/understanding-impact-mental-health-academic-performance. Accessed May 13, 2025.

‍