Crowley ISD students had no classes last Friday, and it was by design. They took a break for their mental health. The district organized a mental health summit at North Crowley High School, aiming to address a growing concern: the immense pressure teenagers face today.
For Madyson Stanton, a senior at Crowley High and class president, this pressure often stays hidden. “People see me as outgoing and successful, but they don’t know the stress I carry,” she shared. This sentiment resonates with many teens. A 2024 survey by researchers from Harvard and Indiana University found that over half of U.S. teenagers feel pressured to excel both academically and socially, leading to feelings of burnout.
Stanton explained that the weight of expectations comes from many places—academics, sports, college applications, and the pervasive influence of social media. “It’s a mix of everything,” she noted.
Data from the CDC reveals rising mental health issues among youth. Nearly 60% of U.S. teenage girls reported ongoing sadness or hopelessness in recent surveys, with about 30% having seriously considered suicide.
Stanton was careful about social media, avoiding it until now due to its potential effects. “I often worry about likes and comments. It’s exhausting,” she said.
Trina Lane, the executive director of counseling services for the district, noted that the pressure can even affect high achievers. “Students who seem successful may struggle the most when faced with real-world challenges,” she said. “They often feel lost when they leave the supportive environment of school.”
The Mind Over Medals Summit aimed to tackle these concerns. It featured student-athletes, performers, and leaders participating in workshops and discussions. Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Smith, a North Crowley graduate, was a keynote speaker. He shared his journey, admitting he felt pressure during his school years but often kept it to himself.
“I wish I had been more honest about my struggles,” Smith reflected. Now, as an NFL player with a four-year contract worth $96 million, he emphasizes the importance of mental health support. He encourages others to seek help and open up about their feelings, something he didn’t do in high school.
Smith hopes the conversations about mental health are more common today than when he was a student. “Back then, we rarely discussed our struggles, as success often meant pretending we had it all together,” he said.
The shift in how mental health is perceived and talked about is crucial, Lane added. “It’s about making sure students know it’s okay to seek help, no matter their outward success.”
Stanton, Smith, and others are raising awareness. They want to ensure that struggling students feel seen and supported, reminding everyone that it’s okay to not be okay.
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