Mental Health Support In School

School should be a safe space for kids. They should be able to go to school and know that they are supported and cared for, but for some kids, being at school is worse than being at home. Kids who struggle at home will bring that to school. Going to school is sometimes a child’s escape. Teachers should be aware of how a child is acting. They see the same kids every day and if there’s a shift in their personality then the teacher should be able to step in and be the person that child needs. You don’t know what goes on at home.

Teachers should learn the signs of mental health struggles. They should have the knowledge and training on how to handle someone who is in crisis. They should be open to having students come up to them and not be afraid to be judged with how they are feeling. Teachers should offer support and resources to students and if they feel like someone is in danger, they should be able to do what they can to get that student out of trouble.

Encourage parents to talk to their kids. They may not even know what’s going on. Get them involved. They may have seen a change, but don’t know how to approach it.

Being in a positive environment will help a student thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. If they know that there are people at school who are willing to help then there’s chance that they will be more open with what’s going on.

Students should have access to an open door policy. If you are aware that someone is struggling, offer an open door to them. Let them know that you are there for them. Be the reason why a student looks forward going to school.

Have a space at school, a place where students can go to when they are feeling overwhelmed. They can take a break from class and do what they need to recharge. They can connect with other students who may be going through something similar. They can talk to other staff members if they don’t feel comfortable talking to their teacher. Create a safe place that they may not have anywhere else.

School is hard for some people and teachers are people that should inspire and motivate students. Students shouldn’t have to dread going to school every day. School should be place where they don’t have to worry about what’s going on at home. Their mental health shouldn’t have to suffer more than it already is.

Teachers also shouldn’t put so much pressure on kids. If a student doesn’t do well on an assignment, there shouldn’t be repercussions. It’s okay for someone not to do well. They will learn and get better. They may not get the help at home. Teachers need to be patient and trust the student. If you see a change in homework or see that they went from passing tests to barely passing them than step in. Spend time with them, check in with them. Make sure that whatever is going on at home isn’t affecting their school work and if it is than create lesson plans and assignments that suit their needs. If you listen, they will improve because they finally have someone they can open up to.

Kids don’t know that something is wrong so they will not say anything because of fear and judgement. If teachers engage and ask questions then kids will learn to understand that it’s okay to talk about their thoughts and what’s bothering them. Kids need to know that there’s someone there for them.

Be the teacher you wished you had in school. Be the teacher they still talk about decades later. Make an impression on your students. Be the change you want to see in school.