Canyon Hills High School students are coming together to address a pressing issue: mental health. With concerns about anxiety, depression, and stress levels on the rise among teenagers, students at Canyon Hills are calling for increased access to mental health resources and support services within their school community.

“Many of us are feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of academics, extracurriculars, and social expectations,” said Sarah Johnson, a sophomore at Canyon Hills High School. “It’s important for our school to recognize these challenges and provide us with the support we need.”

When asked, some ideas included urging the school administration to hire more counselors and mental health professionals, reduce wait times for appointments, and expand mental health education and awareness programs.

“We need more counselors who are available and accessible to students,” says James Hill, a senior at Canyon Hills. “When students are struggling, they shouldn’t have to wait weeks to get help.”

Students have asked for activities that would help them with their mental health. Some ideas are implementing wellness programs, offering stress-reduction activities, and promoting open discussions about mental health.

Some teachers like english teacher Mrs. Brandel room 1028 has her avid and journalism class share their feeling in a community circle and it gives students the opportunity to share their emotions or just how they are feeling about a topic 

“Talking about mental health shouldn’t be taboo,” says Emily, a junior at Canyon Hills. “We need to create an environment where students feel comfortable seeking support.”

As the conversation around mental health continues to grow, students at Canyon Hills High School hope that their voices will lead to change at their school.