**Abstract**

Depression and anxiety among the youth are serious mental health problems leading to suicide and causing unmeasurable negative long-term impacts, not only for the individual but also for family and friends. This chapter aims to unpack current perspectives on overcoming depression and anxiety to enhance educational success among the youth. A literature review was conducted to thoroughly address relevant content to bring forth short and long-term practical steps that might enhance educational success among youth who are continuously dealing with depression and anxiety. Given the magnitude of depression and anxiety among youth, the current trends of depression among the youth, and factors leading to anxiety and depression were unpacked. In addition, the perspectives on how family members, friends, and community members can identify signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, guidelines about overcoming anxiety and depression, tailor-made practical guidelines to enhance educational success, and recommendations were explained. In conclusion, it is clear that in rural areas, there is a knowledge gap about mental illness in general. It is, therefore, recommended that the government focus must be on educating the community to provide knowledge and understanding. Consequently, families and friends will better identify depression and anxiety and consequently provide the necessary support.

**Keywords:** depression, anxiety, students, educational success, rural, context, South Africa
