The role of school nurses, like Jane Graham, has evolved significantly over the past 20 years, shifting from primarily addressing physical health to focusing on the mental health challenges faced by students. Increasingly, children, some as young as seven, struggle with issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress, often leading to more severe problems like panic attacks, self-harm, and eating disorders. Official figures indicate that one in five children and young adults in England now have a mental health disorder, overwhelming NHS services.
Experts point to various causes, including the pandemic, cost-of-living pressures, and social media, but opinions diverge on whether rising mental health issues reflect a genuine crisis or a lack of resilience in today’s youth. Some, like Professor Andrea Danese, emphasize the importance of resilience, suggesting that distress is often a natural part of growth and cautioning against over-pathologizing normal challenges. Others, like Dr. Shari McDaid, argue that increased awareness has improved mental health literacy and should not be seen as a cause of rising diagnoses.
Research supports the idea that resilience can buffer against mental health problems, with studies showing that resilient adolescents develop better coping strategies and experience higher life satisfaction. However, experts also stress the importance of societal approaches to create mentally healthy environments in schools, workplaces, and communities.
The debate continues as young people face unique challenges, including economic instability, political divisions, and the pervasive influence of social media, which compounds issues like cyberbullying and body image pressures. While fostering resilience is crucial, experts agree it must complement broader efforts to prevent mental distress from escalating.