Wheel of Emotions

What does mental health have to do with academic performance?According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, research suggests that depression is associated with lower grade point averages and that co-occurring depression and anxiety can increase this association.

In 2021, 38% of New York City’s high school students reported feeling so sad or hopeless in the past year that they gave up their usual activities, compared with 27% in 2011. Rates of suicidal ideation also increased, with almost one in 10 NYC high schoolers reporting a suicide attempt in the past year in 2021.

In the spring of 2024, Teaching Artist Jordany Genao collaborated with KAPPA International High School students to understand how mental health issues can affect students' academic performance, how educators and parents can recognize early signs of depression and anxiety, and what can be done to support students' mental health challenges. To understand the issue, students talked to community members in their neighborhood, interviewed stakeholders working on the issue, and explored drawing, collage, and printmaking. They gathered what we learned and created this booklet to teach others about the issue.

Students

Kiana Gil Gomez
Kasumi Fernandez
Carlos Medina
Fatoumata Diallo
Fatumata Conde
Kadjobla Assande
Ineyris Compres
Adrian Mosquera

Funding Support

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and Council Member Oswald Feliz.

Special Thanks

Shandanette Chase, Supervising Attorney at Urban Justice Center’s Mental Health Project

Ella Grace Downs, Policy and Government Affairs Manager at Girls for Gender Equity

Julissa Paulino, Social Worker at KAPPA International High School