As a 17-year-old, and like many teens, I know how overwhelming life can feel sometimes. Between homework, exams, sports, friendships, and just trying to figure out who we are, it can feel like there’s never a break. Some days it feels impossible to handle it all, and I know I’m not the only one. Many teenagers struggle with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, and too often, we don’t know where to turn for help.

Mental health isn’t just something we deal with individually; it affects our families, our friends, our communities. If teens don’t get the support they need, it can impact everything—our school performance, our relationships, and sometimes even our lives. According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents, and yet many students don’t have access to counselors, therapy, or safe spaces to talk.

We need schools to be more than just places to learn math or science. Schools should be places where teens can feel safe, supported, and understood. That means: Having trained counselors and social workers available when we need someone to talk to.
Offering peer support groups where we can share struggles without feeling judged.
Including mental health education in our classes so we can recognize signs of stress, anxiety, or depression in ourselves and friends.
Providing access to therapy or mental health programs for those who need extra help.

This isn’t just about school—it’s about making sure every teen has a chance to grow up healthy, resilient, and hopeful. Mental health support in schools can save lives, give us tools to cope, and help us feel like we’re not alone.

I’m asking policymakers, school leaders, and anyone who can make a difference to take teen mental health seriously.

If you care about the well-being of young people, please sign this petition. Every signature matters. Together, we can make sure teens have the help and guidance we deserve.

Please join me in advocating for these vital changes. Together, we can make a significant impact and provide our young people with the support they so desperately need. Sign this petition to support teen mental health resources at schools and to help create a better future for all children.