After losing her father in her sophomore year, Gisela Rosa faced immense pressure to keep up with schoolwork. Although her mother urged her to take time to grieve, Gisela pushed through. The social worker at her high school in Manhattan, Central Park East High, became a crucial support for her during this tough time. “No one else seemed to understand,” she recalled.
Fast forward seven years, and Gisela is now a therapist working toward her doctorate in counseling psychology at Auburn University. She helps college students navigate mental health challenges and shares her experiences with those who might relate. This shift reflects a growing understanding among mental health professionals about the power of peer support.
Recent studies show that mental health issues among students have risen, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, about 38% of high school students in New York City reported feeling hopeless enough to stop their usual activities. Legislation has been introduced to increase mental health resources in schools, focusing on wellness clubs and peer-led programs.
According to a national poll conducted by NAMI in 2022, teens prefer to seek mental health information from friends more than from adults. This aligns with Gisela’s feelings about her high school experience—having access to peer support could have changed her path significantly. “It would have reminded me that I was a person allowed to grieve,” she said.
Students today, especially those affected by the pandemic, are still trying to adjust. The isolation posed by lockdowns forced many to grapple with mental health issues on their own. Cree Griffin, a senior at the Repertory Company High School, noted, “COVID really took its toll. It changed the world, and it will never go back to what it used to be.”
Efforts are underway to create more spaces for students to talk about their struggles. Teen-led mental health clubs have emerged as a solution, allowing students like Brandai Arnold to express themselves better among peers. The importance of these support networks cannot be overstated; peer connections can foster a sense of understanding and community.
Organizations like The Brotherhood Sister Sol, a Harlem-based nonprofit, are pushing for more investments in peer mental health support. As Rox Costello, a licensed social worker there, put it, “Peers just trust each other more.”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness NYC is also expanding peer support initiatives. They have created youth peer leader roles and support groups where students can share experiences and coping strategies. These peer programs often transition leadership to the students themselves, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
Overall, while the landscape of mental health support continues to evolve, the importance of peer connections remains clear. Understanding and empathy from peers can make a significant difference in young people’s lives, helping them combat feelings of isolation and navigate the complex world around them.
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Source linknew york city, nyc, nami-nyc,,tamar cox-rubien, a youth peer leader at the national alliance on mental illness nyc,
