Why Is Mental Health Education Not Taught In Schools? (5 Reasons It Should Be)

Mental health isn’t taught in schools for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Lack of understanding about mental health
• Academic pressures take priority
• Lack of resources and funding
• The cultural stigma around mental health
• Focus on mental health only during crises

Mental health is an issue that’s affecting more and more people today, especially young people. But despite how prevalent mental health concerns are, most schools still don’t offer proper education on the topic. While we learn about physical health in PE class, nutrition, and even how our bodies work, mental health is often left out of the conversation. This is surprising, given how many students are dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, and stress—but might not have the tools or language to understand or address these feelings. Many students face mental health struggles, yet schools lack the support systems to help them effectively.

So, why isn't mental health taught in schools, and more importantly, why should it be? In this article, we’ll discuss why mental health education is missing from many school curriculums and why it’s crucial that we change this. We’ll also list some books for those struggling with different kinds of mental health issues.

If you’re looking for books on mental health or self-help, check out our catalog of self-help books here at Lay It Flat! We create spiral bound versions of the best self-help books, so you can lay your books flat while reading. Say goodbye to stressful reading sessions and constantly having to press your books down!

The Current State of Mental Health in Schools

The current state of mental health in schools is a pressing concern, with many students grappling with issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 90% of schools increased social and emotional support for students during the 2021-22 academic year. However, despite these efforts, many schools still lack the necessary resources and personnel to provide adequate mental health support.

One significant challenge is the shortage of mental health professionals. The national average ratio of school psychologists to students is more than double the recommended 1:500 ratio, with some districts facing ratios as high as 1:2000 or worse. This shortage makes it difficult for schools to offer timely and effective support to students in need.

Additionally, the politicization of social-emotional learning and mental health has created obstacles in allocating resources and funds for student mental health services. In some communities, mental health support is not seen as a priority, making it challenging to secure the necessary resources and funding. This lack of support can leave students without the help they need, exacerbating mental health issues and contributing to a growing mental health crisis in schools.

Why Is Mental Health Not Taught in Schools?

Despite its growing importance, mental health isn’t part of the standard curriculum in most schools for several reasons. School counselors face significant challenges in addressing mental health issues, such as high counselor-to-student ratios and a primary focus on academic issues over mental health, leaving them overwhelmed and unable to support students effectively. Here are a few key factors that contribute to this gap:

1. Lack of Understanding About Mental Health

For many years, mental health issues were misunderstood, stigmatized, and often ignored. Many people—including educators—still don’t fully understand the significance of mental health and its direct impact on students’ well-being and academic success. Mental health used to be seen as something only “seriously” ill people dealt with, so the idea of teaching it in schools didn’t seem necessary. Unfortunately, this lack of understanding continues to affect how the topic is approached—or avoided—by school systems. Emphasizing the importance of school mental health services can help address these issues by providing accessible support and reducing stigma within the educational environment.

Because there’s still a significant amount of stigma around mental health, it can be difficult for schools to talk about it openly. For many educators and parents, mental health education just isn’t seen as a priority, which means it doesn’t make it into the curriculum.

2. Academic Pressures Take Priority

Today's school systems are incredibly focused on academic achievement—test scores, grades, and college preparation are often the top priorities. In many schools, academic pressure leaves little room for other topics. With the emphasis on improving standardized test scores and meeting educational benchmarks, adding a "soft skill" like mental health education often takes a backseat.

This intense focus on academic performance means that important life skills—like managing stress, understanding emotions, and building resilience—can be overlooked. In the eyes of many school boards and administrators, mental health education might seem like a luxury rather than a necessity.

3. Lack of Mental Health Resources and Funding

Schools are often operating on tight budgets. In many districts, there simply isn’t enough money to fund comprehensive mental health programs, let alone pay for specialized training or educational materials for teachers. Even when mental health resources do exist, like counselors or mental health professionals, they are typically stretched thin, focusing on students who are in crisis rather than proactively teaching mental wellness.

Without funding or resources to integrate mental health education, schools often prioritize other areas that are seen as more "urgent" or directly related to academic success. In the end, mental health education gets sidelined.

4. Cultural Stigma Around Mental Health

Cultural attitudes about mental health play a huge role in why it’s not taught in schools. In many communities, mental health issues are still seen as a taboo topic—something that’s uncomfortable to discuss or even acknowledge. Parents, teachers, and students may avoid talking about mental health because they don’t want to appear weak or "crazy."

Because of these societal stigmas, there’s a reluctance to bring mental health into the classroom. If mental health is still viewed as something to be ashamed of, then educators may feel uncomfortable addressing it, even though it’s a critical issue for many students.

5. Focus on Mental Health Professionals Only During Crises

Many schools only address mental health when there's a crisis—a student has a breakdown or there’s a high-profile incident involving self-harm or suicide. These reactive measures are important, but they don’t do much to prevent mental health issues from arising in the first place. Schools often wait until there's an emergency to step in instead of teaching students the tools they need to manage their emotions and mental well-being before problems get out of hand.

However, mental health education should not just be a response to crises. It should be woven into the fabric of everyday schooling, helping students develop coping strategies and emotional awareness long before they’re in a crisis situation.

5 Reasons Why Mental Health Education Should Be Taught in Schools

Now that we’ve explored why mental health education is often missing from schools, let’s look at why it’s so important to include it. Here are five compelling reasons why mental health education should be a priority in schools:

1. Early Education Helps Prevent Bigger Problems

Adolescence is a time when many mental health issues first emerge—things like anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. If these issues go unaddressed, they can snowball into bigger problems later in life. But if students are given the tools to understand their emotions and identify when they’re struggling, they’re more likely to seek help early on.

By teaching mental health in schools, we can help students recognize the warning signs of mental health issues before they spiral out of control. This early education allows students to intervene when problems are easier to manage. Early intervention can make a world of difference in reducing the severity of mental health challenges later in life.

2. Mental Health is Key to Overall Well-Being

Physical health isn’t the only type of health that matters. Mental health plays an essential role in a person’s overall well-being. Just as students are taught about exercise and nutrition, they should also learn how to manage stress, deal with difficult emotions, and build positive mental habits. These lessons help students not only succeed in school but also build a foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life.

When schools teach mental health, they give students the skills to handle challenges—whether it’s academic pressure, personal struggles, or social difficulties. By building mental resilience, students become better equipped to confidently navigate life’s ups and downs.

3. It Improves Academic Performance

Believe it or not, teaching students how to manage their mental health helps improve their academic performance. When students struggle emotionally, it’s harder for them to focus in class, keep up with assignments, or attend school regularly. Anxiety, depression, and stress all affect concentration and cognitive function, which ultimately impacts grades.

By giving students the tools to manage their mental health, they can focus better in class, engage more in learning, and perform better academically. Mental health education doesn’t just help students feel better—it helps them do better.

4. It Reduces Stigma and Fosters Support

One of the most important reasons for teaching mental health in schools is to reduce the stigma surrounding it. When mental health is openly discussed in the classroom, it becomes less taboo. Students who are struggling with their mental health may feel more comfortable seeking help if they know it's something their peers are talking about openly.

By normalizing conversations about mental health, schools can create a more supportive environment for all students. This kind of open dialogue fosters empathy and understanding among students, which is essential for creating a community where everyone feels valued and heard.

5. It Prepares Students for Life Beyond School

The skills students learn in mental health education aren’t just important for surviving school and vital for adulthood. Life is full of challenges—whether it's managing stress at work, dealing with relationship difficulties, or facing personal setbacks. The earlier students learn how to navigate their emotions, the better prepared they’ll be for the complexities of adult life.

By teaching mental health, schools are helping students build lifelong skills—skills like emotional regulation, stress management, and self-care—crucial for maintaining a balanced, healthy life long after graduation.

Implementing Mental Health Education in Schools

Implementing mental health education in schools is crucial for promoting student mental health and well-being. By teaching students about mental health, schools can help them develop healthy coping mechanisms, build resilience, and recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues.

Schools can start by incorporating mental health education into their curriculum. This can be done through dedicated classes, integrating mental health topics into existing subjects, or providing workshops and presentations by mental health professionals. Professional development for teachers is also essential, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to support students effectively.

However, it’s important to approach mental health education with caution. Some argue that certain programs can inadvertently cause harm, exacerbating mental health issues in young people. For instance, a study published in the journal Behavior Research and Therapy found that students who participated in a social-emotional skills training program reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and strained relationships with their parents.

To avoid these pitfalls, schools should ensure that their mental health education programs are evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and tailored to their students' needs. By doing so, they can provide effective support without causing additional harm.

The Role of Teachers in Mental Health Support

Teachers play a critical role in mental health support, often serving as the first point of contact for students struggling with mental health issues. They can provide emotional support, refer students to mental health professionals, and help students develop healthy coping mechanisms.

However, many teachers lack the training and resources needed to provide effective mental health support. A study found that teachers are not adequately trained in mental health and have numerous other responsibilities, making it challenging for them to recognize signs of mental health issues.

To address this, schools can offer professional development for teachers on mental health topics. Partnering with mental health professionals to provide workshops and presentations can also be beneficial. Additionally, schools should ensure that teachers have access to the necessary resources and support to help students effectively.

Teachers can also play a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and reducing the stigma around mental illness. By incorporating mental health education into their curriculum and fostering a positive and supportive school culture, teachers can help create an environment where students feel safe and supported. This can make a significant difference in students’ mental health and overall well-being, helping them thrive in and out of the classroom.

6 Books to Help With Mental Health Issues

1. The CBT Workbook for Mental Health: Evidence-Based Exercises to Transform Negative Thoughts and Manage Your Well-Being

The CBT Workbook for Mental Health shows you how to cultivate your sense of calm and confidence through the power of cognitive behavioral therapy. With expert advice, you’ll learn how to use CBT to bounce back from tough times―no matter how big or small.

This CBT workbook features:

• Specific solutions: Build a range of coping skills with chapters devoted to common issues: relationships and communication, anxiety, anger, stress, guilt, shame, cravings, and self-esteem.
• Simple exercises: The prompts and exercises in this CBT workbook only take between 10 and 30 minutes, so you can find time to practice them even on your busiest days.
• CBT for everyone: Discover how CBT works and what makes it so popular with various exercises that help improve general emotional wellness.

Learn the skills to maintain your inner peace and emotional well-being every day with The CBT Workbook for Mental Health.

2. Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids: 60 Fun Activities to Help Children Self-Regulate, Focus, and Succeed

With the right tools, kids can learn to think positively about their ADHD and see it as a special asset. Thriving with ADHD is filled with easy exercises to help your child with the many facets of ADHD, from self-control and organization to getting tasks done and making friends―so they can flourish at home, school, and beyond.

Kids will learn to reframe their thoughts about ADHD as they discover their unique talents. With fun activities that engage their busy minds, this workbook offers a strength-based approach to helping your child gain a better understanding of themselves, their ADHD, and the simple things they can do to feel more confident and in control.

This ADHD workbook for kids includes:

• An overview of ADHD―Teach your child about common symptoms, different ADHD types, and how ADHD can be an advantage.
• Skill-building exercises―Establish key executive functioning skills, like dealing with anger and frustration, staying focused, controlling impulses, and communicating effectively.
• Action-oriented learning―Help kids thrive in their daily lives with fun lessons for creating a morning routine, making a homework chart, expressing themselves when upset, and more.

Show your child how to harness their unique gifts and live life to the fullest with their ADHD―this practical workbook will help guide the way.

3. The Anxiety, Worry & Depression Workbook: 65 Exercises, Worksheets & Tips to Improve Mood and Feel Better

It's hard to fight back against anxiety, worry, and depression.. and it's even harder to face and overcome those fears by yourself.

That's why anxiety expert Jennifer Abel, PhD, has compiled an interactive workbook that will help you tame anxiety, worry, and depression. Backed with science and over 25 years of clinical experience, this easy-to-use guide is full of practical, proven worksheets, self-monitoring forms, exercises, and scripts to start changing your habits and life.

Includes proven strategies for:

• Worry (it causes anxiety and depression)
• General anxiety disorder
• Depression
• Perfectionism
• Procrastination
• Superstitious thinking
• Hypochondriasis
• Catastrophic thinking
• Saying no

Grab a spiral bound copy today!

4. Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach To Regaining Emotional Control And Becoming Whole

In The Complex PTSD Workbook, you’ll learn all about C-PTSD and gain valuable insight into the types of symptoms associated with unresolved childhood trauma. Take healing into your own hands while applying strategies to help integrate positive beliefs and behaviors.

Discover your path to recovery with:

• Examples and exercises: Uncover your own instances of trauma with PTSD activities designed to teach you positive strategies.
• Expert guidance: Explore common PTSD diagnoses and common methods of PTSD therapy, including somatic therapy, CBT, and mind-body perspectives.
• Prompts and reflections: Apply the strategies you’ve learned and identify PTSD symptoms with insightful writing prompts.

Find the tools you need to work through C-PTSD and regain emotional control with this mind-body workbook.

5. Retrain Your Brain (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks: A Workbook for Managing Depression and Anxiety)

After 15 years of successfully treating patients using cognitive behavioral therapy, Psychologist Dr. Seth Gillihan developed this self-directed 7-week plan that teaches you practical CBT techniques that can help you feel better.

This therapy workbook's unique weekly structure is designed so that each activity builds on the previous week’s work as you apply these techniques in your daily life. Relatable, real-life examples make the information and activities more accessible to CBT newcomers.

With help from Retrain Your Brain, you can take the first step to finding relief and discovering the power of cognitive behavioral therapy today.

6. Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents

In this breakthrough book, clinical psychologist Lindsay Gibson exposes the destructive nature of parents who are emotionally immature or unavailable. You will see how these parents create a sense of neglect and discover ways to heal from the pain and confusion caused by your childhood.

By freeing yourself from your parents’ emotional immaturity, you can recover your true nature, control how you react to them, and avoid disappointment. Finally, you’ll learn how to create positive, new relationships so you can build a better life.

Discover the four types of difficult parents:

• The emotional parent instills feelings of instability and anxiety
• The driven parent stays busy trying to perfect everything and everyone
• The passive parent avoids dealing with anything upsetting
• The rejecting parent is withdrawn, dismissive, and derogatory

Grab a copy of this book today!

Conclusion: Should Mental Health Education be Optional?

Mental health education should no longer be optional—it’s essential. While there are many reasons why it hasn’t been a priority in schools—like lack of understanding, limited resources, and cultural stigma—there are even more powerful reasons why it should be. Early intervention, improved academic performance, and a healthier, more supportive school environment are just a few of the benefits of prioritizing mental health education.

By teaching students how to care for their mental well-being, we not only help them succeed academically but also equip them with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges. It’s time to make mental health a central part of the curriculum and give students the chance to thrive—both in school and beyond.