[An image of an exhausted person. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

In July, in Abbotsford, Canada, a grade 10 student began sweating and feeling nauseous during an afternoon class.

As other classmates headed outdoors for a scheduled activity, he stayed behind to rest.

After 10 minutes, he told his teacher that the symptoms might be due to poor sleep and the overwhelming pressure of upcoming exams.

His experience reflects a growing concern: in today’s high pressure academic environment, students are facing increasing levels of stress that affect both mental and physical health.

Across Canada, South Korea, and many other countries, teenagers are reporting exhaustion, anxiety, and even depression caused by academic demands.

Many students from grade 10 to 12 are preparing for university or college entrance requirements, often regarded as one of the most important steps toward securing a comfortable future. 

“I usually sleep five to six hours because of the homework from school and even the assignments from the academy that I attend,” said a student from a high school in Abbotsford.

“Even during the weekends, I spend most of my time studying to achieve a high score and maintain good grades.”

Lack of sleep and exhaustion are among the most common effects of academic stress.

Students who sleep less than six hours regularly may experience memory problems, mood swings, and, in serious cases, depression and anxiety.

The pressure comes not only from school.

Many students feel extra stress from their parents or guardians, who expect top grades.

“Even when I score above 90, they push me to reach 100. How is this considered encouragement?” asked one student.

Sometimes, this kind of pressure leads students to compare themselves constantly with others, damaging both self-esteem and motivation.

Teachers are also affected by this culture.

While they aim to support students, they must prepare them for tests and meet  curriculum goals. 

Still, some educators are seeking solutions.

“We’ve started to give more flexible deadlines, so that students do not feel pressure. If they need extra time, I am more than welcome to give it to them,” said a high school teacher.

Some schools are going even further, introducing “no homework days” and expanding counseling services to reduce the stress students face at school and at home.

These efforts build a healthier school environment and show students that learning should involve balance.

Schools also encourage physical activity, discourage unhealthy habits, and promote stronger social connections.

Extracurricular activities such as music, sports, or art provide valuable outlets, helping students manage emotions and cope with stress.

In the end, academic achievement is important, but not more than the health, happiness, and freedom of students.

The pursuit of excellence should not come at the cost of emotional or physical well-being.

A student's mental health is not a secondary concern, but a foundation for meaningful, sustainable learning.

As awareness grows, more schools, parents and governments should start to ask the most important question: is this relentless pursuit of perfection truly worth it?