People often assume gifted students have it easy, but being gifted can come with hidden stress. One big issue is overexcitability, where gifted students experience emotions more intensely than others. This can lead to mood swings, stress, and even perfectionism that hurts their confidence (1)
Another mental health risk is underachievement. Some gifted students don’t do well in school, not because they can’t, but because they’re bored or not challenged. When they fall behind or feel misunderstood, it can lead to anxiety and feelings of failure (2).
Gifted kids are also more likely to be twice-exceptional, meaning they’re gifted but also have a disability like ADHD or dyslexia. These students often go unnoticed because their strengths “hide” their struggles. Without proper help, their mental health can suffer (3).
That’s why schools and families need to support gifted students not just academically, but emotionally too.
Sources:
1.Piechowski, M. (2006). Mellow out, they say. If I only could: Intensities and sensitivities of the young and bright. https://www.sengifted.org/post/overexcitabilities-and-gifted-students
2.Peterson, J. (2009). Myths about giftedness and achievement. https://www.nagc.org/myths-about-gifted-students
3.Baum, S., Schader, R., & Owen, S. (2017). To be gifted & learning disabled: Strength-based strategies for helping twice-exceptional students succeed. https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/twice-exceptionality-and-mental-health/
Hey Yula!! I think it’s great you are focused on a struggle much people do not talk about or understimate; And it’s exactly that which makes it a problem. It was great how you underlined many of the issues so clearly, few words described strong feeling. Whatsoever, I would suggest you include specific stories of gifted kids. From what I’ve watched, they all end up layering a similar pattern through their lives, showcasing more depth into the struggle.