Research

Empowering the Next Generation: Why schools must prioritize mental wellness now!

Carson Goodale

October 29, 2025

•

5 min read

Unveiling the Mental Wellness Crisis

In today's fast-paced digital world, mental wellness challenges among students are rapidly escalating. From the pressures of social media to the daunting expectations set by society, our students are grappling with unprecedented stressors. Recent survey findings from Prairie Point teachers confirm what many educators nationwide have long suspected: mental wellness is a pressing concern that cannot be ignored.

Morning Moments: College Students Gather Before the Day Begins

Key Insights: Prairie Point's Teacher Survey

Anxiety Tops the List: A significant number of teachers identified anxiety as the most prevalent challenge faced by students, followed closely by depression and self-esteem issues.
Need for Personal Approach: Teachers have been addressing these challenges primarily through private conversations, highlighting the importance of a personal approach.
The Role of School Counselors: Counselors are the go-to resource in many schools, but is it enough?

These findings mirror national trends. According to a study by the National Association of School Psychologists, anxiety disorders affect 25% of all teens and 30% of all teen girls. Similarly, a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that depression and anxiety are on the rise among America's youth and, whether or not they personally suffer from these conditions, seven in ten teenagers call them major problems among their peers.

‍

Closing the Digital Divide

With the digital era's onset, integrating technology into mental wellness strategies is not just smart—it's essential. The recent introduction of the Brightn app offers a beacon of hope. But how do educators feel about it?

Curriculum Integration: Teachers at Prairie Point see the potential of integrating the Brightn app into health classes and homeroom sessions.
Desired Features: Daily motivational quotes, self-assessment tools, and breathing timers are among the top-requested features.

But why wait for applications like Brightn to become a staple? The evidence is clear. The Child Mind Institute states that early intervention is crucial. When students receive the mental health care they need, they have a better chance of graduating from high school, going to college, and leading full, productive lives.

‍

Empowering Futures: The Imperative for Comprehensive Mental Wellness Education

The need for a comprehensive mental wellness curriculum is evident. Schools, backed by decision-makers, have the power to create a lasting impact. It's not just about academic excellence anymore—it's about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to face life's challenges head-on.

Ready to take charge of your mental wellness? Try Brightn free today.

‍

Expert Insights on mental health

View all

Blogs

8 min read

The Post-Semester Reset: Turning Academic Burnout Into Growth

Academic burnout affects many college students after finals, causing exhaustion, stress, and emotional fatigue. This blog explains why academic burnout peaks at semester’s end and how chronic stress impacts mental health, sleep, and motivation. You’ll learn science-backed strategies to recover after finals, including intentional rest, better sleep, mindful movement, journaling, and rebuilding healthy routines. Focused on student mental health and burnout recovery, the guide shows how setting boundaries and building sustainable habits can turn post-semester burnout into long-term resilience and academic success.

Blogs

7 min read

Managing Social Stress During Celebrations: 7 Evidence-Based Strategies for Holiday Anxiety Relief

Celebrations and holiday gatherings often bring heightened stress, social anxiety, and emotional overload due to increased expectations, disrupted routines, and complex family dynamics. This guide explores why social events can feel draining instead of joyful and how factors like financial pressure, social comparison, and reduced emotional regulation contribute to holiday stress. It offers practical, evidence-based strategies for managing social anxiety, protecting your energy, practicing mindfulness, and setting realistic expectations during busy seasons. The article also highlights how mental wellness apps like Brightn support calmer, more authentic celebrations through guided reflections, mood tracking, and emotional awareness tools, helping you navigate gatherings with greater presence, balance, and emotional resilience.

Blogs

6 min read

Black Friday Psychology: How Holiday Shopping Affects Your Mental Health (And What to Do About It)

Holiday shopping can feel joyful in the moment but often leads to stress, guilt, and financial anxiety once the season ends. This article explores the psychology behind holiday spending, explaining how consumer culture, social pressure, and brain reward systems drive impulsive purchases that impact both financial and mental wellness. It breaks down the connection between money stress, emotional regulation, and well-being, while offering science-backed strategies for mindful spending, setting value-based boundaries, and reducing impulse buying. Readers also learn how mental wellness apps like Brightn support healthier money habits through guided journaling, mood tracking, and self-awareness tools that help align spending decisions with personal values, reduce holiday stress, and build long-term financial and emotional balance.