Seattle Public Schools

Student Family Portal
Student/Teen Resources
Seattle Public Schools/Departments/Prevention and Intervention/SBIRT and Check Yourself/Student/Teen Resources/Mental Health Student Resources

Mental Health Student Resources

SBIRT Resources for Students & Teens

Did you know?

Mental health challenges are more common than you might think. In the 2024-25 school year, about 1 in 7 students said that had symptoms of anxiety, and 1 in 9 students said they had symptoms of depression. Here are some health effects of those two conditions:

Health Effects

Anxiety

Anxiety can make you feel nervous or like your heart is racing, even if nothing scary is happening. It can also cause stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue.

Depression

Depression can make you feel sad, tired, numb, or like you don’t want to do things that you normally enjoy doing.

Other Outcomes

Click through the tabs below to see other potential outcomes of anxiety or depression:

    Routines

    Feelings of anxiety or feelings of depression can interrupt sleep, hygiene, eating, and exercise routines.

    Academics

    Grades, attendance, and behavior at school can all be affected by feelings or anxiety or feelings of depression.

    Social

    Individuals coping with anxiety or depression are more vulnerable to social exclusion, bullying, harassment, isolation, and discrimination.

    Safety

    Severe feelings of anxiety or severe feelings of depression can lead to recklessness, substance use, self-harm, or thoughts of suicide. If you are having thoughts of suicide it’s important to talk to a trusted adult right away or use the crisis buttons below to talk to a hotline.

    Talking to Adults

    There are several reasons why youth have a hard time telling adults about their mental health concerns. The most common worries are:

    “I don’t know how they’ll react”
    “They will be sad, disappointed, or angry”
    “Adults already have enough to worry about”
    “They won’t believe me”

    It is the job of adults to take care of their children. Sometimes, adults have big emotions because they care so much, or when they’re not sure what to do. If you’re worried about how the adults in your life might react when you tell them your concerns, you can:

    Set a time and place to talk: This helps your adults feel prepared.

    Plan ahead: Map out what you want to say, or write a letter.

    Be clear: Tell your adults what you’re struggling with and why you need support.

    Reach out: If you’re not confident you can tell another trusted adult or call a hotline.

    When to Talk to an Adult

    Everyone deserves support when they are struggling with mental health. It’s time to talk if:

    Mood changes

    You’ve been feeling really sad, numb, anxious, or easily upset for more than a week.

    Routine changes

    You’ve noticed interruptions in routines like eating, sleeping, or taking care of yourself.

    Focus

    You’re struggling to focus on school, chores, or other activities or responsibilities.

    Isolation

    You’re feeling alone, away from others, or not interested in things you usually enjoy.

    Need immediate help?

    Crisis Connections

    The Lifeline 988

    HearMeWA