Students with mental illness are often stigmatized and have a harder time succeeding academically than other students. But some schools and districts have made significant progress in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and helping students who struggle with them succeed. In fact, I believe that through adequate support structures and improved communication between teachers, parents, and administrators, every student can fulfill their potential as they grow into successful adults.
Student mental health is a growing issue.
Student mental health is a growing issue. The pressures of school and society have never been greater than they are now, and students are under more pressure than ever before to succeed academically and socially. This can lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses that affect students’ academic performance and well-being.
In addition to these external factors affecting student mental health, technology has also had an impact on how we interact with each other as humans. There is more access to information than ever before; with this comes increased expectations for what people can do with their lives after graduating high school or college–and sometimes even during those years! Students may feel pressured by social media into appearing perfect all the time when in reality no one is without flaws or problems somewhere along the way (if ever).
What are the signs of a student with mental health problems?
- The student is withdrawn.
- The student has a low mood and may be tearful or sad for no apparent reason.
- The student experiences anxiety, which is characterized by nervousness and worry about things that don’t seem to warrant this level of concern.
- Irritability is another sign of mental illness in students; they might become angry without any apparent reason, or they might lash out at other people in their class if they feel frustrated by something that has happened in the lesson (for example, if the teacher asks them a question but doesn’t wait long enough for them to answer). This could also be considered as bullying behavior because it makes other students feel intimidated by the person who’s being aggressive towards them – this type of behavior usually leads to conflict within groups/classes so it’s important not only for teachers but also parents too!
What should teachers think about when referring a student to outside support?
When teachers refer a student to outside support, it’s important that they keep in mind the following:
- Confidentiality. Teachers should make sure that the student feels comfortable and safe when sharing sensitive information with them and others who may be involved in their treatment plan. Teachers should also make sure they understand what information is confidential, who has access to it, and how long it will be kept confidential before deciding how best to help a student.
- Parents’ involvement in care planning for children under 18 years old (or legal adults). If you’re referring a student under 18 years old (or legal adults), it’s essential that their parents are involved in care planning decisions from start through finish–even if this means taking some time off from school during periods of treatment or recovery so that everyone can work together on creating an appropriate plan for success over time!
How can you help improve the quality of life for students who struggle with mental health issues?
- Be aware of the signs. Students with mental health problems may be more likely to miss class, fall behind in their work, or struggle with relationships with other students and faculty members.
- Have a plan for referring students to outside support. If you’re concerned about a student’s wellbeing, reaching out for help is essential–but how can you determine which resources are best suited to your needs?
- Have a plan for how to help students in your classroom. If someone comes into your class showing signs of depression or anxiety (such as low energy levels), what do you say? How does this impact their ability to learn? What kind of accommodations might be necessary? Even if there are no obvious signs that someone needs extra support right now, it’s still important not only because it shows compassion but also because people may not always disclose these issues openly themselves.”
Mental health issues can be an obstacle for students, but with the right support structure, students can achieve their full potential.
Mental health problems can be an obstacle for students, but with the right support structure, students can achieve their full potential.
Students who have mental health issues are more likely to miss school or drop out altogether. They’re also less likely to graduate from high school and attend college than their peers without these conditions.
We want to make sure that students with mental health issues are supported and able to succeed. The key is for teachers to be aware of the signs, so that they can refer students quickly and effectively. When teachers have a plan in place for dealing with these types of situations, it will help them feel more confident when referring students to outside support services.
