Struggling to Read, Struggling to Cope: The Mental Health Toll

This Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s important to spotlight a silent issue affecting thousands of teens: the inability to read well.

Struggling with reading isn’t just a school problem—it deeply affects a teenager’s mental health. Teens who can’t read fluently often feel ashamed, isolated, and anxious. They may avoid speaking up in class, withdraw socially, or develop low self-esteem. Over time, this can lead to depression or even risky behaviors.

Worse still, poor mental health makes it harder to learn—creating a cycle that’s tough to break without the right support.

Let’s remember: helping teens read confidently isn’t just an academic goal—it’s a mental health necessity. This week, let’s talk about it, act on it, and make sure every teen knows they’re not alone.