As the school year winds down, many high school students find themselves overwhelmed—not just by finals, but by the pressure of college decisions, graduation, and what comes next. This “spring stress” season can take a serious toll on teen mental health.
At Boys Town, experts are seeing a rise in anxiety, burnout, and fear of the unknown among teens preparing to take their next steps. “This time of year is full of celebration, but also uncertainty,” said Connie Schnoes, Director of Boys Town Behavioral Health. “Teens are trying to keep grades up, meet application deadlines, juggle extracurriculars, and say goodbye to a chapter of life. It’s exciting—but it can also be emotionally exhausting.”
The Mental Load of Milestones
Spring brings a flurry of major life transitions:
- College decisions and rejections
- Graduation expectations
- Senior events and social pressure
- Uncertainty about the future
- Increased family tension over plans or finances
For teens already dealing with anxiety or depression, these added stressors can lead to emotional shutdowns, irritability, or even panic attacks. Boys Town reminds parents and caregivers that behavioral changes—like withdrawal, loss of motivation, or mood swings—may be signs a teen is struggling.
National data supports what Boys Town experts are seeing firsthand. According to the CDC’s most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey, more than 4 in 10 high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless—and academic pressure is one of the top contributors to teen stress. Boys Town counselors regularly hear from teens who feel overwhelmed by expectations, uncertain about the future, or paralyzed by the pressure to succeed.
Tips from Boys Town Behavioral Health Experts for a Mentally Healthy Spring:
- Normalize the nerves.
- Focus on one step at a time.
- Celebrate the now.
- Watch for warning signs.
Boys Town’s Mental Health Resources for Teens and Families
Boys Town Behavioral Health provides therapy and evaluations for youth and young adults experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or adjustment issues. Our licensed psychologists help teens build coping strategies and confidence during this high-pressure time.
The Boys Town National Hotline (800-448-3000) and Text Line (text VOICE to 20121) are available 24/7 for teens and families in crisis or simply needing someone to talk to.
“It’s OK to not have it all figured out,” said Nick Zadina, Manager of Training and Quality Assurance at the Boys Town National Hotline. “We want teens to know they’re not alone—whatever path they’re on, there’s support.”